Album Review: Enter Shikari - 'Take To The Skies'

Have you ever wondered what would

happen if a bunch of kids who really dug breakdowns, radio rock and

over the top Euro-trance got together and made a record? Then look no

further than Enter Shikari, because they’re debut full length is exactly

that – an amalgamation of open D chords, clean vocals and out takes

from a Ministry Of Sound CD. 

I’ll be honest with you… I

really wanted to hate this band. I saw a video on TV one night and thought

it was some of the worst shit I’d heard in a long time. As fate would

have it I received a copy of the record a few days later and whether

I wanted to admit it or not, it was pretty fucking catchy! 

I initially wrote the band’s

use of electronics off as a gimmick, but on repeated listens I can honestly

say that it does add to Enter Shikari’s sound. Without the synth element,

their songs wouldn’t sound anywhere near as full or as interesting

as they currently do. 

I think I’d enjoy the record

a lot more if their singer stuck to screaming but I guess his vocal

hooks must be ok if Enter Shikari were able to sell out 1000 person

capacity venues off the back of their demo. 

People are either going to love

or hate this band, but at the very least they’re original. Hell, some

of the more melodic moments on “Take To The Skies” have an almost

power metal feel to them. Some people will argue that they’re simply

ripping off Horse The Band, but HTB never displayed such straight up

rock and pop influences. 

People are either going to love

or hate this band, but at the very least they’re original. Hell, some

of the more melodic moments on “Take To The Skies” have an almost

power metal feel to them. Some people will argue that they’re simply

ripping off Horse The Band, but HTB never displayed such straight up

rock and pop influences. 

At least give these guys a listen

before writing them off. I’m sure we should be expecting a tour announcement

some time this year.

1. Stand Your Ground; This is Ancient Land

2. Enter Shikari

3. Mothership

4. Anything Can Happen In The Next Half Hour

5. Interlude

6. Labyrinth