Enter Shikari : 'Common Dreads'
There has always been a nagging feeling that Enter Shikari might struggle with their second album. After the storming success of debut Take To The Skies brought acclaim from all directions, a general intrigue as to whether they would be able to maintain such success began to emanate from fans and the media alike. Despite their intense popularity it was hard to escape the fact that it had been born in the midst of “Nu Wave” fury, with bands striving for that danceable yet substantial sound. And since the genre's abrupt demise the fear that Enter Shikari would suffer the same fate refused to recede. Could such a popular band become more than a one off novelty in the wake of such euphoria? And to all intents and purposes, the answer is yes. The intensity is there, as is the furious guitaring, complete with a fresh approach that proves their longevity. Fans may at first be shocked with the transformation, for a new type of beast has been awoken.
Having previously used the electronic element to their sound as a suffix to their tracks, the band have moved much more to use it as a focus. Whilst this may disappoint certain people, it is done well and adds a fresh feel to each track. Tracks such as “Wall” still maintain a heavier feel yet allow synths and drum machines to take the focus. The effect is a good one, with Rou Reynold's trademark vocals belting out over the top to inject that familiar element. “Zzzonked” proves to be in a similar vein, a ferocious synth ensuring crowds will be dancing away come the summer. Combine that with guttural screams and you have a track reminiscent of the classic “No Sssweat”, an aggressive affair sure to become a favourite. The boys have also exercised restraint in their new found direction, with “No Sleep Tonight” in particular having a well implemented balance between guitar and synth. The chorus is as good as any, a distinctly euphoric feel swelling through it's simple yet effective chords. An inexplicable key change threatens to spoil what is a very good track, but it fades away before any real damage is done.
Such intelligent use of a potentially domineering element shows a great maturity in the band, something that shines through throughout the album. The laddish elements of the first album have been toned down in favour of a more conscientious approach, particularly evident in “Gap In The Fence”. Essentially a ballad, the track is born from an acoustic melody with only light drumming and vocals for company, slowly building to the delicate implementation of a synth that never even hints at spoiling the mood. With the repeated mantra “I've got to get out of here” Reynolds shows that, despite not being the strongest of singers, he can more than hold his own with little backing. The track concludes in a thrashing crescendo, demonstrating all facets of the band's sound in just over four minutes. It would be fair to say that following Take To The Skies few could have imagined that Enter Shikari would be capable of pulling off such a feat, yet it's presence in the middle of an undeniably impressive album is a testament to just how far they've come.
Amidst the evolution and change though there remains the same satisfying sound that elevated the band to such heights. Openers “Solidarity” and "Common Dreads” merge together to create an epic symphony that epitomises Enter Shikari and is enough to send a shiver down the spine of any fan. Beginning with sustained chords and dialogue, including “We must unite” in all accents and languages, a sense of anticipation is palpable. With the entrance of the trademark synth sound and crashing guitars, it is instantly evident that the band have lost nothing in translation into their second attempt. The same euphoric feeling flows through each chord and voice, climaxing in a choral harmony of first album mantra “And still we will be here, standing like statues.” As an opening track it provides hope for the rest of the album, hope that the band have not faltered in their attempt to maintain past glories and have found fresh areas explore. This hope is undoubtedly fulfilled, injecting life into what could have potentially been a dead genre. For all their detractors, doubters and critics, Enter Shikari deserve a hearty pat on the back for their achievements.
Words: Dan Grose
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