It was truly a special night at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth on Wednesday night with two of the most compelling bands of the nineties who swept into town to perform some of their biggest hits. With both Ocean Colour Scene and Kula Shaker on the bill, it was set to be a night of epic proportions!
Kula Shaker
Vibrant and enthralling, Kula Shaker took us on a whirlwind ride through their vivid and kaleidoscopic back catalogue. The psych rock stalwarts kicked off proceedings with the rousing ‘303’ and ‘Grateful When You’re Dead / Jerry Was There’ from Kula Shaker’s stunning 1996 debut ‘K’.
Superbly complemented by the swirling, psychedelic visuals, the band led by Crispian Mills delivered an extraordinary set filled with jagged shimmering riffs and intoxicating keys from Jay Darlington who was the touring keyboardist for Oasis for several years.
A captivating sonic tapestry, filled with mood-enhancing mantras and 60s psych-rock shimmer, the band debuted two new songs ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ and ‘Broke as Folk’ from their upcoming eighth studio album as well as staples from their iconic debut ‘K’.
From the trippy ‘Tattva’ and the transcendental ‘Govinda’, Kula Shaker were impeccable throughout, delivering a mystical, hypnotic, and mesmerising set that reaffirmed why they are a force to be reckoned with!
Despite being a support act, they could have easily filled out the O2 Academy on their own merit, and their energy and the incredible guitar work from the band’s frontman, Crispian, showed their passion and prowess.
One of the standout moments was a blistering rendition of ‘Hush’ (the cover originally written and performed by Joe South and Deep Purple that propelled the band to superstar status in the USA thanks to it being on a film soundtrack) – the crowd went wild and sang along with gusto!
From start to finish, this was an electrifying, energetic, and effervescent set from the band who I would highly recommend adding to your gig bucket list.
Ocean Colour Scene
From the colourful, decadent theatrics of Kula Shaker to the laid-back cool vibes, Ocean Colour Scene sauntered onto the stage after the sound system played the vital track ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T and the MGs. This song heralded the arrival of Ocean Colour Scene who received a rapturous reception from the sold-out crowd.
Diving straight into ‘The Circle’, one of the many standout songs from their breakthrough 1996 album ‘Moseley Shoals’, the band showcased their enduring appeal for combining soulful rock with sixties vibes.
Despite the crowd at times being somewhat lacklustre, the band delivered a stunning set which included ‘One for the Road’ also from ‘Moseley Shoals’, the beautiful, acoustic-led ‘Mrs Jones’ and ‘She’s Been Writing’ paired back with gorgeous harmonies and heart-wrenching storytelling.
‘Hundred Mile High City’ with its rock ‘n’ roll swagger was a highlight, as was ‘Get Blown Away’ and the upbeat, fan favourite ‘Traveller’s Tune’ which showed every band member’s incredible musicianship.
The energy in the room was palpable when it came to tracks like the ‘Riverboat Song’, which from the first notes of the rush of the intro to the sing-along chorus, showed that at almost thirty years on from its release, the song and indeed Ocean Colour Scene remain as vital and compelling as ever.
Steve Cradock throughout the set demonstrated what a phenomenal guitarist he is with his distinctive guitar playing and in particular his mesmerising guitar solos, and Simon Fowler’s vocals were heartfelt and impassioned throughout, particularly on the acoustic-led ‘Robin Hood’ which was sublime.
Simon Fowler interspersed a few lines of ‘Live Forever’ by Oasis, which was a crowd pleaser, as part of the thrilling encore that concluded with the unforgettable and intoxicating ‘The Day We Caught the Train’ — a very special moment.
Ocean Colour Scene: 90s Rock Masters at O2 Academy
Ocean Colour Scene delivered a masterclass in 90s rock at the O2 Academy Bournemouth, showcasing their enduring appeal for blending soulful rock with sixties vibes. The sold-out crowd received the band with rapturous enthusiasm as they dived straight into “The Circle” from their iconic 1996 album “Moseley Shoals.” Highlights included “One for the Road,” the beautifully acoustic “Mrs Jones,” and the energetic “Hundred Mile High City.” Steve Cradock’s phenomenal guitar work and Simon Fowler’s heartfelt vocals demonstrated why Ocean Colour Scene remain vital and compelling after nearly three decades.
The Enduring Legacy of 90s Guitar-Driven Rock
The band proved their staying power with classics like “Riverboat Song,” which from its opening notes to the sing-along chorus, showed the song remains as essential as ever. Through tracks like “July” and the Lennon-esque “Profit in Peace,” Ocean Colour Scene displayed the musicianship that made them pioneers of the era. Simon Fowler’s touching rendition of “Robin Hood” paired with an Oasis cover during their thrilling encore, concluding with “The Day We Caught the Train,” created unforgettable moments that cemented their place in British rock history.
