THE SILVER LINES ELECTRIFY LONDON WITH NEW EP AND UNFORGETTABLE LIVE SHOW

LIVE REVIEW | THE SILVER LINES | LONDON – THE OLD BLUE LAST 18/09/2024 by Shona Hoey

With the release of their latest EP, ‘... And The Lord Don’t Think I Can Handle It’, The Silver Lines have started Autumn with a bang as they commence their European takeover which covers the UK, Germany, France, and Spain. Headlining at The Old Blue Last in London, supported by Fred Brown and Platoon, The Silver Lines managed to evoke that weekend feeling in a crowded room in the capital on a Wednesday despite hailing from the Midlands. These guys tour relentlessly in multiple countries, and I have never seen them not pack out whichever room they’re in. Their fanbase is fiercely loyal, with friends and followers trailing them from gig to gig, knowing they’re guaranteed a great night when The Silver Lines are involved.

I have found that it can sometimes be a bad thing to look forward to a gig because it can only disappoint you if your expectations are high, but these guys simply never miss. You can tell they are always having fun when they’re performing, and it’s difficult to resist that level of energy, even if you’re not feeling at your best. If ever I’m not sure what mood I’m in when it comes to listening to music, the answer is almost always The Silver Lines because their sound scratches an itch in a way I can’t quite describe. They are not your average indie band. They are so much more, and the fact they have an ever-growing legion of fans shows that. 

One standout moment for me was hearing ‘Cocaine’, one of their new EP tracks, live. The first time I experienced it was at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham. On a whim, I’d driven two hours to an all-day gig, and when they played ‘Cocaine’, it took my breath away. Though I don’t personally relate to the song’s subject matter, something about it hit me hard—its raw energy and intensity resonates deeply. I felt the same rush again on Wednesday night, a testament to the song’s power and the band’s delivery.

It was great to hear the new EP live; it stays true to their roots, while showing clear growth as musicians heading towards a heavier, punk-tinged sound. The EP captures their knack for writing about things far beyond their years, creating songs which are both catchy and punchy in equal measure. As their new EP artwork boldly claims, “Either you’re going to listen or you’re not. They don’t care”, their attitude mirrors this sentiment. They carry the confidence of a band that knows their music connects with people, whether you’re on board or not.

Visually, they are undoubtedly one of my favourite bands to photograph. Their energy is incredible; you can’t help but get drawn into their world. Front man Dan knows how to work a room and how to play to the camera with charisma. Drummer Kindo is a crowd pleaser as fans cry for him to get his top off whilst he hits some insane drum grooves. Joe (guitar) and George (bass) are never far from a smile and are filled with a frantic, contagious energy that gets everyone going.

I have little doubt in my mind that these guys will be playing huge stages in the next few years, because their commitment to the graft, and their love of music & the people who love their music shines through above all. With their sound and undeniable stage presence, it’s only a matter of time before The Silver Lines reach great heights. Get involved early so you can tell your friends you were there first!

https://www.instagram.com/thesilverlinesuk

The Silver Lines Set List (Shona Hoey/Northern Exposure)

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