“I operate through space and time.”
The wonderful and ever-eccentric Enter Shikari are back once more, hot off the heels of 2023’s acclaimed album A Kiss For The Whole World and an impressively packed touring schedule. They have gifted fans with one last treat before returning to the studio to begin work on their eighth album. Some may question the excitement surrounding this release. “A few live tracks and songs we already know, why bother?” Yes, this collection includes previously released material, but it’s truly special and a treat for Shikari fans.
The album comprises live renditions from BBC Radio One’s Rock Show, Shikari Sound System remixes, and B-sides/additional tracks, offering a delightful variety. Enter Shikari are renowned for their impressive live performances, both visually and sonically, making the inclusion of these live renditions a no-brainer. The quality of these recordings is fantastic, showcasing the band’s exceptional live talent. Unlike their traditional live albums, which capture concert recordings, these live studio takes remove the performative element, highlighting their pure musical prowess.
The Shikari Sound System mixes, featuring new renditions of Bloodshot and Goldfish, are a standout. Long-term followers of the band will appreciate the return of this side project. For the uninitiated, Shikari Sound System is the band’s moniker for DJing and remixing tracks, with notable past releases like Bring Me The Horizon’s “Can You Feel My Heart.” These mixes breathe new life into the tracks, offering an alternative perspective on how they could have been released. Keen-eared listeners may notice similarities between these renditions and the live versions performed since the album’s release.
The additional singles “Bull” featuring Cody Frost, “The Void Stares Back” featuring Wargasm, “Losing My Grip” featuring Jason Butler, and “STRANGERS” featuring Aviva add another layer of diversity. While “Bull” and “The Void Stares Back” were pre-album releases, they deserve a place in this collection. Enter Shikari has a knack for evolving their sound between releases, and these tracks demonstrate that consistency. Highlighting smaller artists, these collaborations are a testament to the band’s commitment to showcasing new talent.
“Bull” stands out, giving Cody Frost plenty of room to shine. Enter Shikari has always excelled at highlighting other artists, whether through support acts on tour or featured spots. While “Losing My Grip” and “STRANGERS“ feel like departures from the band’s signature style, they are still solid tracks that allow the featured artists to shine.
Overall, this release is more for the fans than the average listener. The variety of tracks underscores Shikari’s diversity and the live recordings showcase their raw talent. The main criticism is the lack of new material, which makes it feel more like a collection of existing tracks. Nonetheless, it’s a satisfying release for fans and a fitting precursor to their next album.
7/10
Dancing on the Frontline drops on the 5th July and can be pre-ordered here.