NEWS
EVENTS
Small Venue, Big Sound
Wednesday 19th June 2013 | Abby
Those who went to The Shacklewell Arms last night were rocked by the great performance by Oregan’s one and only: Wampire!
My ears are still ringing and my heart has not slowed down from last night’s Wampire gig. It was a night jam-packed of rock, synth, and indie-pop, with crazy dancers in the crowd, passionate instrumentals being played on stage, and a great vibe. Having only emerged a few years ago, the quintet synth pop-rock band, Wampire, have toured throughout much of the US, but last night was the first time they took to a London stage! A brilliant performance! The band’s two front-men, Rocky Tinder and Eric Phipps, each played their electric guitars with so much soul which was set against their bellowing, yet indie-pop rock vocals. The happy drummer boy kept a fervent tempo going, whilst the bassist and keyboardist passionately swayed losing themselves as they played. Wampire’s debut album Curiosity is full of an amazing content which fulfils many different themes and topics of life such as love, death, relationships, and the challenges and giants we face. The diversity of their music made last night’s gig appeal to a cross-section of society, very different types of people dancing and genuinely getting into the spirit of the concert. Although the stage and venue was small, the band’s essence, vibe, and energy was interminable! Possibly hyped by the support band, Wild Combination, the crowd was pumping when Wampire started their set bellowing out their invigorating sound. No one in the crowd was standing still. It was a brilliant night for music and the atmosphere during and even after Wampire’s performance was poignant.
I was lucky enough to get an interview with the two front-men of the band, Rocky Tinder and Eric Phipps, who were kind enough to reveal the story behind the band’s emergence, tracks, and album. Learning about the journey, the music writing processes, and a bit about the personal lives of these boys before their performance really made me appreciate and enjoy Wampire’s music even more than I had previously, and let me assure you, I am a huge fan of Wampire’s album, Curiosity. Hanging out with the band members before they went on stage to perform exposed their great humour, easy-going personalities, and their passion for their music. Never judge a book from it’s cover, because these guys are not what they seem at face-value, just as Tinder stated:
“Yeah, my look has changed. I look a bit like a mad biker with this beard and long hair. But really it is just laziness. Haha.”
Not only do Wampire rock a wonderfully spooky, yet rocking electric-pop sound that seems to re-present and reinvigorate an 80s-inspired sound, but they are also some of the kindest, passionate, and funny guys.
To find out more about this amazing quintet band? Then keep an eye on Guestlist for our special interview, soon to be released!
Written By Abby D @AbbyDonkin
