Showing posts with label Enter Shikari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Enter Shikari. Show all posts

Thursday 28 December 2023

My Top 10 Albums Of 2023

Listening habits have changed, I've put more time into creating and as a result, my shortlist was literally these ten albums. I've passed over quite a few records from old favorites too, instead opting to keep an eye on newer artists but even then its familiar names emerging on the list this year.

(10) Aaron Cherof "Minecraft: Trails & Tales (Original Game Soundtrack)" (2023) link
The fallout with C418's timeless soundtrack is saddening but in his shadow, Mojang have managed to pluck some exceptional artists that suit the games atmosphere. This latest addition grows on me with each listen and as the year grew, each return to these new tracks proved how great they were.

(9) Dreamstate Logic "Starbound" (2023) link

One for the temporal playlist, Starbound has a flavor not all distinctive but lasting. As the year went on I found myself drifting back to its magic which turns out to be one of the strongest calmers in Dreamstate Logic's now extensive catalog.

(8) The Tiberian Sons "Anthems Of Liberation" (2023) link

Soundtrack to my ice boat racing, I may now never return to it without visions of skidding across frozen blocky landscapes. The musics tone is familiar but wonderfully animated, that crossover between Progressive and VGM again yielding magic. Its nice to see this group branching into their other soundtrack passions.

(7) Enter Shikari "A Kiss For The Whole World" (2023) link

I commented earlier on passing over old bands still pumping out records. Now twenty years into their legacy, Enter Shikari are one I can't pass up and I'm happy to see them find that youthful spirit again after experimenting with a more subdued approach.

(6) Post Malone "Austin" (2023) link

Its not here for its status as an album but the few favorites that emerged from Austin have been absolute ear worms, bringing hot and uplift over and over. Post has always been a keen talent but here you can hear him actualizing the vision of a songs expression and backing it up with melodic candy.

(5) Gunship "Unicorn" (2023) link

Clearly brilliant but trailing off towards its conclusion, the strong songs of Unicorn has again been ear worms. With Spotify's auto shuffle pushing them after finishing other records, they have become favorites this year. It feels like they really timed this one well, waiting for inspiration to strike after a few years.

(4) Old Tower "Draconic Synthesis" (2023) link

Dungeon Synth has become somewhat stale with my explorations of what its got left to offer. I keep eyes on a few artists and really felt that Old Tower stepped up with another maturity of sound design that yielded some fresh other worldly expressions.

(3) Myrkur "Spine" (2023) link

The uncanny feeling covers has subsided given some research into the musics originality and now I've just been enjoying how curiously strange and wonderful its chemistry is. Bruun is clearly pulling inspiration from different genres and how it all comes together has been endearing and a joy to listen.

(2) Narrow Head "Moments Of Clarity" (2023) link

With nostalgia being on plentiful supply in these times, its great to hear a band so masterfully craft inspirations of times past with a spirit and charisma that escapes that nostalgic grasp. Narrow Head have banging riffs and write songs that don't serve the past but compliment it. Everything came together so well with Moments Of Clarity. Many of its songs have been on rotation through the year.

(1) Olivia Rodrigo "Guts" (2023) link

Often singing about topics quite distant from my own experiences, Olivia's presence, expression and musicality has an allure hard to ignore. Like with Sour, she can pull you in with catchy pop chorus and sincere divulges of personal distresses that paint a picture. This outing, everything felt tightened up and finely tuned, while maturing lyrically too. Guts has me enjoying her catalog while anticipating where she will go next!

Monday 8 May 2023

Enter Shikari "A Kiss For The Whole World" (2023)

 

Two decades have passed since Enter Shikari made waves playing in our local music scene. With an unwavering resilience, they retain a relevancy that took me by surprise, having grown comfortable in the silent interval between records. Re-arranging their youthful character once again, Shikari still have the bite to hook, line and sink one into their party-like carnival Rock-Electronic realm again. With fond familiarity and spicy seasoning, A Kiss For The Whole World blazes by this listener in a whirl of engrossing charisma. Topically flourishing, their restless offerings come woven with compassion and hope, matured out of once angered social political lyrics.

This positivity emanates instrumentally, made starkly apparent by Rou Reynolds' passionate pleas, warm wisdoms and mellow metaphors. Practically every song has an infectious hook, his catchy wordings deliver hope and uplift, arriving on a flush of creativity. Its fun, engaging, refreshing and keeps once locked in with its nimble stride as these apt thirty three minutes sprint by with every moment revealing its purpose.

Their pop sensibilities have matured to a level of class, leveraging the appeal of popular musics most gratifying structures against the rampant creativity of their eclectic musical pallet. Echo's from the web of early 90s electronica still loom boldly, most keenly The Prodigy. Some moments just cant escape their legacy. Shikari are further forging their signature sound, yet not exactly advancing on new territory.

This record signifies a peak in the assembly of Metal tinged Rock, echoing Hardcore. Club music, Drum & Bass weave their aesthetics and components dynamically. Splashes of classic instrumens align with a keen cheek and cheer. Playing a role for narrative and direction to blossom. In short, everything they have done before, successfully re-emerging on a creative high for fans new and old to be taken away by. With each of my many spins I wonder if the cracks will appear. Despite having favorites among the crowd, it plays wonderfully as a complete experience.

Rating: 8/10

Saturday 9 May 2020

Enter Shikari "Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible" (2020)


Reeling back upon The Spark's softening shift in tone, Enter Shikari return with a spicy self historical mix up. Nothing Is True has rolled up a little bit of everything tried so far in their five records leading to this sixth installment. The four lads have been together since their teenage years, forging a unique identity that can be felt through the chemistry. I have a deep affinity for their music. Ive seen them go from local pubs, clubs and schools to headlining festivals. Its been simply magical and I will always have a soft spot for them, making it hard to not enjoy anything they do!

The albums sentiment comments on our technology driven age haunted by science denial, trolls, bots, fake news and social media hysteria. Its a finger on a pulse that has been pounding for a while, the perspectives often shaped through a dystopian lens seem second fiddle to the groups excellent song writing. The power of hooks and catchy lyrics are better felt through the passion Rou delivers them with than there content. That may just depend on how deep you've dove into these topics beforehand.

Its fifteen songs are cracking, a constant roll out of fun, energy and passion with a retroactive array of aesthetics, keenly from the synths that pull from the best of electronic oriented sounds experimented in the past. Its a framework around songwriting that periodically dips into trendy Alternative Pop stylings. Despite all being good songs, Crossing The Rubicon, The Pressure's On & Satellites reek off imitation with a direction clearly emulating others, rather than perusing that Shikari purism.

The rest of the record has that uniqueness intact with a fair spread of experimentation that occasionally gets a little wild. Elegy For Extinction breaks things up with a moment of pure symphonic wonder as a dense orchestral composition builds a fiery intensity to propel the music into its most bipolar moment with rave synths and dirty pounding dance floor percussion firing off under modulated vocals. Its a wild treat that shows the band still have a knack to pull together all aspects of influences.

If their is anything left to be desired, perhaps the group didn't do anything unexpected. As fantastic as their endlessly youthful and exuberant style is, this unifying sound of all attempted before misses an opertunity to surprise which is something each record has had to it before, a new territory to uncover. Despite that, its familiarity plays like a group of old friends returning to give you new stories you'll cherish. Nothing Is True is loaded with songs to subtly slip alongside the best of their setlists.

Favorite Tracks: The Great Unknown, The Dreamers Hotel, Apocaholics, T.I.N.A, Elegy For Extinction
Rating: 8/10

Tuesday 10 October 2017

Enter Shikari "Take To The Skies" (2007)


Its unbelievable to think ten years have flown by but that's life. "Take To The Skies" is the unleashing of our local band Enter Shikari onto the world. Ive seen this band go from the school down the road to headlining festivals and this album is a personal one, loaded full of fond memories and strong emotions. It was a big event, we got to see some of their pivotal shows around that era including their Download performance of the same year in the big blue tent which was absolutely rammed and loaded with mosh pits.

It's no masterpiece but a personal triumph for fans of Enter Shikari, a band you can truly adore if they push your buttons. "Take To The Skies" had no surprises, the culmination of their best songs from years of utterly relentless touring are polished and fined tuned alongside three or so new tracks. Its all glossed up with album quality production and a reworking of the electronics to flesh out all their songs with which raving synth lines that bleed into the interludes lined between a handful of tracks.

In retrospect the lack of subtly on this record is a charm the band would grow with time to gleam upon. The raw fusion of Hardcore throw downs and rampant rave electronics is undeniable in the wake of their youthful energy and inspired charisma. Its never gotten old, the fantastic chemistry to create energetic, uplifting and fun music with a real backbone of feeling and lead them into explosions of aggression with grooving beat downs and guitar chugging breakouts that would always get a crowd moving. Seeing the path they have taken, it becomes apparent how simplistic some of the compositions are but Shikari pull it off with a stroke of inspiration that you cant criticize given its authenticity.

The albums flow is flawed, It gets of to a wild start with fan favorites and two new tracks then the interludes break up the flow and the second half unwinds at a different pace, leading to the fantastic "Adieu" with would showcase the genius to expect of this band leading forward. It ends with the explosive "Ok, Time For Plan B" after its infectious build up, a great choice to end on before the closing tracks echos of the albums opener. It gives the record somewhat of a compilation vibe given the attachment of knowing most the music before its release and I'm not sure if the interludes were an attempt to create a bigger picture with the record as a whole but I never felt it succeeded in doing that, if it was the intent.

 Its the music that's wonderful and the years gone by make me realize how foundational they were as songwriters then. Singer Rou's screams and shouts are so fitting of the scene at that time and stylistically raw. The synths are accents of the tone, not woven in but aligning with the music and in many cases leading it. The beat downs are again atypical of the scene yet executed with an edge of creativity and always in the direction of the music, never rumbling out of nowhere and always feeling like an essential part of the music. Its truly fascinating and speaks volumes to the music these guys would write with their currently best record "The Mindsweep".

I adore this record and trying to be objective I wouldn't consider it a classic but on a personal level the nostalgia, adventure and fun of the time are deeply connected to the music and Shikari will always hold a special place for all the amazing memories. I think even back then we knew this band would be special forever to come. I little gutted now I missed the anniversary show this year but I will see them soon and forever be revisiting this wonderful record. On a final note I think its fitting to point out this record was an independent release on their own record label and their DIY ethic speaks volumes to the passion they have that you can hear running through this album.

Rating: 10/10

Monday 2 October 2017

Enter Shikari "The Spark" (2017)


I felt an immense disappointment after the first play through of "The Spark", for it was as if the spark itself had gone from Enter Shikari, a band who Ive followed from my local schools to headlining festivals over the past decade. On reflection "The Mindsweep" is an immense record from a band who can sweep you up with their passion and persona without having to write subjectively brilliant music. That record was the moment where their identity found a new level, a musical brilliance that could possibly see it as their magnum opus, it was also my favorite record of 2015.

With repeated listens I found my way into the record and have my finger on the pulse of my initial reaction. The bar had been raised, expectation were high but Shikari make an artistic shift in direction that rubbed me the wrong way. The links to Metal and Hardcore have been severed, distortion guitars, breakdowns and explosions of energy are no more and these were often my favorite moments in their songs. The rest of what we know remains intact but we also hear a fervent shift to a more vulnerable emotive form of Rock that reminds me distinctly of Radiohead. This is especially so on a handful of songs where Rou opens up his voice for an honest softness to resonate over light instrumentation.

You can hear this new direction best on "Airfield" which leads straight into the contrasting "Rabble Rouser", a song that depicts the old Shikari perfectly. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a song left over from their previous direction. Its an electronic party club track with some light, overdriven chopping guitar licks in the build to a where you'd expect to find an explosive break down of sorts. Instead the track never finds climax despite being a solid track. I can't help but feel there is a conscious decision at work to not go down that avenue, even if the direction can still be felt in the music they write.

Change is always welcome, can't expect an artist to spin the same tricks forever but with a step to the side we also take a step back. "The Spark" is a fine record with a plentiful offering of emotionally warm music. Shikari tone down the aggression and flesh out the themes and lyrics of their songs with rich, colorful instrumentation, interweaving many electronic tones with light guitars in an uplifting spirit. "Undercover Agents" may brush up along side the currently popular "woah-oah-oah" chants but where they get excessively catchy and accessible it still seems very authentic and genuine. Given the current state of affairs, Rou's lyrics tackle the events of recent years that have shook many people with poetic turns of phrase that make for captivating hooks and choruses.

As a collection of songs its a fine affair but the flow of the record is somewhat choppy as the tone, mood and intensity fluctuates between and within the tracks. It really does feel like a transitional record for the band however this doesn't hinders the brilliance of these musicians from charming us with another swell of great musical ideas again. It has a fantastic production, a lot more creativity in the percussive department and with less reliance on the guitars they can still muster the sing along spirit that will have you bopping along at the live show! I hope they will grow well into this turn of pace.

Favorite Songs: The Sights, Live Outside, Take My Country Back, The Revolt Of The Atoms
Rating: 7/10

Monday 28 December 2015

My Top 10 Albums Of 2015



So its nearly the end of the year and time to write about my favorite records released. Now that I think back over the year there have been some terrific records and compiling a top 10 wasn't too difficult as there had been about that many that stood out as being the most memorable and enjoyable. Alongside the best there were also a few stinkers, disappointing records I had been anticipating that unfortunately didn't deliver. Overall its been decent but not remarkable, of all that was great much of it was great within its own context with nothing ground breaking or revolutionary reaching my ears.

(10) Killing Joke "Pylon" Link

 Not a record I expected much from, having gotten to grips with Killing Joke's identity this one felt at home with everything they were about. The production and choices in the instruments tone really gave it a new dimension. Possibly their best since their first two records, however there still a lot of records for me to get through first.

 (9) Arcturus "Arcturian" Link
 

One of the most anticipated records I could ever think of. A decade of wait for the return of a band who's music has been both riveting and engulfing with their unique, distinguished sound and unforgettable songwriting that did not fail to deliver. It felt as if no time had passed, despite an awful production, the music shined bright and charmed once again with a familiar sound.

 (8) Izioq "My Own Private Video Game" Link
 

 Izioq second project was an interesting evolution from its predecessor. Moving away from the purist retro sounds of the debut, this sophomore record felt right at home while deviling into a more expansive and imaginative set of sounds that is full of charm and soul, creating nostalgic memories with the power of imagination.

(7) Joey Badass "B4.Da.$$" Link

I heard about Joey with a promise of a 90s nostalgia trip and boy did we get it! This record has the heart of the 90s spirit without being nostalgic or recreational, Joey brings his own style and flavor and it works. Solid record that's full of decent tracks.

(6) Iwrestledabearonce "Hail Mary" Link

I very nearly passed this one up. What a mistake that would of been! This has been the years most fun and "don't take seriously" record. Full of grooves, dichord abuse and maddening shredding, "Hail Mary" is an unrelenting onslaught of rhythmic aggression goodness that never lets the foot of the gas!

(5) The Underachievers "Evermore - The Art of Duality" Link

I like this duo a lot. They have a unique style and seem to be on their own path regardless of what trends are leading Hip Hop music. After checking out last years "Cellar Door" I had to pick this one up, turned out to be a real gem, conceptual and executed well this was full of food for thought and meaningful lyrics alongside tripy beats.

(4) Ghost "Meliora" Link

Heavily anticipated from one of the most exciting Metal bands active and they are going from strength to strength. Meliora gave a fan everything they could hope for and more with the classic "He Is" song. A true gem in one of Metals best records this year.

(3) Periphery "Juggernaut: Alpha/Omega" Link Link

A sublime double record with no shortage of inspiration. Periphery created possibly their best work to date with infectious grooves and lush harmonies bouncing back and forth from one another in the fold of progressive and creatively written songs that have been stuck in my mind.

(2) Marilyn Manson "The Pale Emperor" Link

 A stroke of genius, the return of a true musical great who's been drifting through obscurity in recent years. "The Pale Emperor" is one of Manson's strongest records, embracing a new introspective approach that works so well for the man who used to poke at anything else. Moody, dense and folk like, its a grabbing record that sucks you in.

(1) Enter Shikari "The Mindsweep" Link

From the first listen it was obviously a great record and possibly one of Shikari's best, but as the year went by this one wouldn't get out of my head. As a long time fan it made me realize how much the band had matured and progressed over the years. They have the same charm yet now their music has a greater sense of vision and clarity, a richer diversity of ideas and inspiration that keeps on giving. The band musically shape-shift through styles and aesthetics so effortlessly it has accumulated to the years most exciting record for the band who's future never stops looking brighter.

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Enter Shikari "The Mindsweep Hospitalised" (2015)


Remix albums are rarely a favorable listening choice for me. Seeing one of my favorite records of 2015 remixed, "The Mindsweep", I didn't get particularly excited. Enter Shikari have always filled there discography with EPs, remix records and mini albums that rarely have more to offer than the full lengths. With strong electronic influences in their sound its no surprise they turn to a host of different electronic artists to dissect and rebuild their tunes. Drumstep, Dubstep, whatever you want to call it, a few distinctive elements of the Mindsweep songs are reassembled into new entities.

Most of the songs here consist of high fidelity, temperate drum kits hammering away between atypical dance grooves and more intricate arrangements. Decorative synths and un-intrusive melodies fill the void above the thick baselines and occasional dub drops. On there own the songs hold up well, but feel over-shadowed by the deliberate inclusion of samples, mainly vocal, from the main record. It feels like a forceful tie and the memorable lyrics and delivery style of Rou have the originals playing out in the mind. With each listen the better aspects of the record began to show but as a whole this felt like a collection of mediocre Drumstep stitched to the original record with little inspiration. I could of enjoyed this much more without the needless inclusion of sampling to tie it to a great record.

Rating: 4/10

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Download Festival 2015 Top 10 Performances


I've been going to donington for nearly a decade now, and although I've missed a couple on recent years I absolutely adore this festival which proves time and time again to be an amazing and truly inspiring event. With the venues history and size its like mecca for metal heads and fans of heavy, alternative music. In recent years the direction has broadened to incorporate more rock and alternative than in previous years and the result is a diverse line up rammed with so many bands you'll never be short of something to watch!

(10) Corrosion Of Conformity
My first time seeing this band and they had one of the best sounds, everything was crisp, guitar tones where niche and the performance tight. Especially enjoyed bassist Mike Dean's groove and energy while playing.

(9) Madball
Having recently enjoyed their debut "Set It Off" I had no reason not to check them out, and they rocked a great set for a smaller crowd who were really into it. Especially liked frontman Freddy Cricien's attitude on stage.

(8) Lamb Of God
Tight, solid performance with decent sound from a band that delivered the aggression and Metal I was in the mood for. Good set, included some new songs which sounded decent.

(7) Slipknot
Disappointed the weather held me back from going down the front where the action is. Even though my hunger for this band is still strong I found myself enjoying it from a distance despite being cold and wet. They still put on a great show.

(6) Dolomite Minor
Visiting the forth stage in between bands is a must! I've discovered many gems doing this and Dolomite is one of them! This duo rocked some serious oldskool Rock / Metal grooves on Sabbath like tones, playing them over and over to great effect.

(5)  Evil Scarecrow
Was blown away by how fun this band were at Bloodstock. There was big anticipation in a rammed tent for these guys who's reputation is growing. The show and music was spot on and very entertaining. It felt like they were ready for a bigger crowd, maybe second stage next year.

(4) Suicidal Tendencies
Absolute legends, I hastily made my way from Shikari to find myself in a wild and energetic crowd that were living up every song in the tent, crowd surfing, moshing and general chaos ensued seeing out the festival in unforgettable style.

(3) Marilyn Manson
At 46 it was obvious that his performance wouldn't be quite the spectacle it once was but given my recent found love for his music this would only be fantastic. His persona was a little strange, he seemed fascinated with Ice-T who was watching but it just added to the mystique and turned out to be one hell of a show.

 (2) Body Count
Never thought id see this band. Seeing them on the bill was like a wet dream and I made sure I was there at the killing floor to watch an absolute legend perform with a band I've been listening to since I found Gangster Rap and Metal. The set was explosive, the band came out looking mean and ready for war. They rocked a hard set of classics, Ice-T hardly looked his age and gave a lot of energy, their bassist shocked me as he bare handed ripped the strings of his bass during their exit from the stage. Amazing.

(1) Enter Shikari
I wasn't anticipating much more than an enjoyable show. Got a spot right behind the barrier center stage and found myself getting totally into their performance. A few songs in I made my way to the pit and moshed the night away to a fantastic set that had me in high spirits. The mud, the weather wouldn't stop us! It was all about the music and reminded me that this is what download festival is all about, and why I will keep going.

Thursday 19 February 2015

Enter Shikari "The Mindsweep" (2015)


For me, Enter Shikari are no normal band. They were once thee band in our local scene, playing at our schools, pubs and clubs we saw this band grow from the back garden to headlining festivals. Back when they were the unsigned hype in the UK we all knew where this band were going, they had heart and charisma, a sound they could call their own and a determination to live out their dream. I have an immense amount of respect for these four friends who started the band while still in school back in 2003. Through relentless touring and commitment to their music they have built a large audience across the world from the ground up with a DIY ethic, creating their own record label to release their music on and touring constantly, playing many clubs and venues across the land. Eight years on from the release of their debut major release Shikari have matured as musicians and this, their fourth, is their most structured and diverse record to date.

The record start of with a familiar feel as Rou gives another rousing speech regarding the state capitalist society and the problems we face with the need for social awareness, the music steadily builds intensity before breaking out into rocking riffs emphasized by sporadic synths and climatic melodic vocal leads. A warm opener for a record that got a lot to offer, Shikari's diverse sound is know for pulling many elements together, Alternative, Rock, Post-Hardcore fused with Techno, Trance, Drum N Bass and even tinges of Dubstep. The group are not afraid utilizing electronic club sounds alongside their traditional instruments. More so than ever we hear a dynamic fusion where the glistening synths and noisy glitch sounds compliment the core of the songs, giving them a rich musical dimension that never falls short to deliver delight. Whether rocking a guitar heavy breakdown, a moving rock ballad or slamming drumstep break, they find cohesion between the diversity of styles and write effortless music which further incorporates raps alongside the scream and clean vocals, even a Symphonic element is present with some soft strings dropping into particular tracks.

The albums production is classy, with so many instruments at working its great to hear them meld effortlessly, aided greatly by the production from Dan Weller of Sikth. Beyond the flush sound, the music itself is positive, upbeat and full of good vibes as the album courses through tracks that focus of the best of their diversities. Each track feels characteristically different from its predecessor and all of them are pack with musical moments you look forward too, whether a melody, riff or hook every song is filled with something to enjoy and despite being such a varied record is flows effortlessly. Its the first time I had listened to them and not yearned for something like the old classics "Sorry Your Not A Winner" etc. Shikari have matured, but here it really came together, firring on all cylinders. There was only one downside to this record, the lyrical content. Not much resonated with me, or even grabbed my attention, but that is no fair critic as words and lyrics often go right through me. Its been great to see the band progress, but here I hear their flame grow strong, a terrific record that sets them on a path for great things.

Favorite Songs: Anesthetist, The Last Garrison, Myopia, The Bank Of England, There's A Price On Your Head
Rating: 9/10