Enter Shikari critique the mentality of revenge on 'Thē Kĭñg'

9 March 2020 | 3:54 pm | Alex Sievers
Originally Appeared In

Enter Shikari, back atop the food chain with 'Thē Kĭñg.'

Enter Shikari back atop the food chain on 'Thē Kĭñg.'



Can Enter Shikari write a bad song? As much as I adore the English quartet, the answer to that is "yes... but only once in a blue moon." Thankfully, that seldom one-off stinker does not apply to the band's newest single, 'Thē Kĭñg,' following hot on the heels of the fantastic predecessor, 'The Dreamer's Hotel.'

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Sounding like the warm analogue synth-rock of 2017's 'The Spark' got spliced with their signature wobbling dubstep synths akin to the 'Tribalism' compilation LP or 'A Flash Flood Of Colour,' 'Thē Kĭñg' is an upbeat, horn-beating banger. A short and sweet catchy bop, with its pitch-shifting synthesizers mixing with detuned, shifting guitar riffs. Much like that previous single about mob mentality and public outrage, this also makes me forget 'Stop The Clocks' ever happened. And that vocal harmony from bassist Chris Batten for the "holes in my armour" line is perfection! So too is that slamming, slowed-down electronic breakdown ay the end is the icing on the Shikari-branded cake.

All of this happens as frontman Rou Reynolds waxes lyrical metaphors about the revenge-driven bloodlust of medieval kings in a violent, wasteful attempt at saving face and maintaining their hubris-laden image. 'Thē Kĭñg'  tackles a dangerous "eye for an eye" mindset that sadly hasn't changed for many modern politicians and governments - a lack of swallowing pride, always ready to strike back, and giving in to anger - whether it's truly in the best interests of their citizens or not. For that's what this melodic, infectious tune is: a loud critique of revenge and the ills that it perpetuates.

Whilst a little repetitive and maybe could've done with a bit more variety to its structure, this is another stellar, forward-thinking, thoughtful electro-rocker. The kind these four lads have been incredibly well-known for over the years. 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible' is out April 17th. The album's artwork may look a little like a philosophical memey shitpost, but it's sounding like anything but. We can't wait for this bad boy!