Live Review: Mimi Barks with Raven Gray and Tom Saint at The Camden Assembly, Camden, London (10/10/24)

Released on September 26th, 2024, ‘THIS IS DOOM TRAP’ is the debut full-length album of alternative trap superstar Mimi Barks. An artist who has taken the scene by storm and whose popularity continues to increase as more and more people discover her unique sound and style.

I am a fan, even if I have to admit to not always enjoying everything she does. I really enjoyed a lot of THIS IS DOOM TRAP, but it does showcase polarising music and an open-mind is required. You don’t have to like the trap stylings of Mimi Barks, and you don’t have to like the alternative rock twists, the pop-infused turns, and blasts of heavier metal to recognise an immense talent.

Which is what Mimi Barks is and all of this, plus so much more, was showcased across a ballsy and brash release. It is also something showcased in a live show that will live long in the memory thanks to an outstanding performance from Barks, a very game crowd, and support acts that offered something different.

The first of which is emo trap artist, Tom Saint, who I have a lot of affection for already seeing as he’s a South-East Londoner too. Thanks to a live drummer, his music has a lot more weight and sonics of the Camden Assembly fit his style nicely. That being said, the effects on the vocals can be quite off-putting. It’s a personal thing, but I just don’t like how it sounds.

No such issue with Raven Gray though who is a stunningly good talent, delivering a gothic-heavy experience that is thick with atmosphere and haunting storytelling aspects. Exceptionally watchable and inimitably listenable, it’s no surprise that Mimi Barks joined forces with her for a track on THIS IS DOOM TRAP (WORMGIRL) and it’s one of the album’s strongest listens.

Tonight though, it’s all about Mimi Barks, and the venue is nice and packed out when she takes to the stage looking like a horror icon. The outfit, the make-up, her stage presence, and the way in which she can appear both demonic and demure at different times is staggering to see. As far as presentation goes, Mimi Barks has it down, and then the music starts…

Barely taking a breath between tracks, for over an hour Mimi Barks hits us with track after track of varied heaviness and danceability. In one moment, the crowd is swaying their hips, swinging their shoulders, tapping their feet, and singing along loudly, and in the next… all hell has broken out. Some of these pits wouldn’t look out of place at a Slayer gig, but that’s always the cool thing about Mimi Barks… there’s a little something for everyone.

Which is reflected in a setlist that, naturally, draws heavily from THIS IS DOOM TRAP. Yet, so much of this stuff sounds heavier, harder, and more intense live. maybe it’s seeing Mimi Barks actually perform them with such energy that makes the difference. I don’t know, I just know I love watching her perform and hearing these songs live. Even tracks that didn’t necessarily resonate with me from the album, sound so much better live.

When it’s time to leave, I leave knowing I saw something special and knowing that I’ll probably never see Mimi Barks in a venue this small again. I couldn’t be more pleased.