Enter Shikari - KNOTFEST Sideshow

Enter Shikari - KNOTFEST Sideshow

Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC - 05/03/25

Enter Shikari’s show at the Sooki Lounge on March 5 was one of those rare, up-close-and-personal gigs that felt like a special moment in time. Seeing a band with their kind of energy and intensity in such an intimate space was something else—it was raw, immersive, and packed with a kind of electric buzz that never let up

From the moment Rou Reynolds and the band hit the stage, the vibe was equal parts chaotic and welcoming. Their sound—this wild mix of post-hardcore, drum and bass, and electronic elements—felt even more intense in a small venue, where every beat, every drop, and every breakdown hit like a wave rolling through the crowd. Reynolds was his usual dynamic self, shifting from soaring melodies to spoken word to full-throttle screams, all while moving through the room like he was just as much a part of the crowd as he was leading it.

The Sooki Lounge, normally a laid-back spot, turned into a bouncing, sweaty mess in the best way possible. The energy in the room was unreal—mosh pits, arms in the air, people shouting every word back at the band. But what made it feel different from a bigger show was the connection. There was no massive production, no elaborate stage setup—just pure, unfiltered Shikari. The flashing lights synced perfectly with the pulsing bass, giving it this underground, rave-like feel between the heavier moments.

What stood out the most was how personal it all felt. Reynolds took time to speak to the crowd about unity, resilience, and the power of music, and you could tell people were really listening. It wasn’t just a gig—it was an experience, the kind that sticks with you long after the last note fades.

By the end of the night, the room was a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration, with everyone buzzing from what they’d just been a part of. Seeing Enter Shikari in a venue as intimate as the Sooki Lounge was something special—like catching lightning in a bottle, even if just for one unforgettable nigh

Thank you to Enter Shakari, KNOTFEST, Destroy All Lines, Dallas Does PR, and the Sooki Lounge for having us along

Our full photo gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/event-photos/enter-shikari-knotfest-sideshowgallery

Review and Photos by Naga Kasu (@nagakasu) for Music Kingdom Australia