Enter Shikari: Parallel Sound and Important Messages (5 Year Anniversary)

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Five years ago, ‘Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible‘ dropped as the sixth release for electronic and alternative rock band Enter Shikari. It peaked at number 2 on the Official UK Album Charts. With fan favorites such as ‘{ The Dreamer’s Hotel }‘, it has become an important part of their discography. Released under SO Recordings with a 15-song tracklist, this LP has secured its spot as an iconic electronic album.

The St. Albans natives formed in 1999, with guitarist Rory Clewlow completing the lineup a few years later, in 2003. Ever since, they’ve managed to adapt their style and prove their longevity as they’re still able to pack out venues and entice newcomers to their soundscape. Since their conception, they’ve received countless awards. Yet their success doesn’t end there. They’ve played at festivals such as Download and created their own record label, Ambush Reality.

The four-piece has forever dabbled in a wide array of sounds. They’ve never really fit into one box since their first record, ‘Take to the Skies‘, back in 2007. However, they have always remained true to their roots of advocating for social and political issues such as climate change and global conflicts. This release is no exception to either. They once again proved their diversity in sound and solidarity in left-wing political views.

THE GREAT UNKOWN

The album’s opener is a strong start to a huge-sounding record. Rou Reynolds is a brilliant voice for the group. He is a master at clear conviction in his messages and the ability to adapt his singing to accompany any style they incorporate in their sound. This specific track perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the LP.

satellites* *

The opening of ‘satellites* *‘ provides the gentle euphoric sound this album perfects before moving into a rock riff with a powerful beat provided by drummer Rob Rolfe. This track is packed with optimism and lyrics that are equal parts science fiction and reality.

Bassist Chris Batten helps to add depth to the keyboard. Also, I enjoyed the effects that helped to make this single so bright and uplifting. Throughout the record, there’s an emphasis on exploring different emotions through genres. It’s commendable to the group how they are able to fit this into one coherent album.

thē kĭñg

This track was released as the project’s second single, after ‘{ The Dreamer’s Hotel }‘. Rou produced the album himself. Certainly, this song is a credit to his abilities as a producer to combine the harsh punk-rock of Rory’s guitar riff with the electronic backdrop of the noise.

The vocals in this single are reminiscent of earlier Enter Shikari records. My mind instantly went to their breakout hit ‘Sorry You’re Not a Winner‘. There are hints of garage rock as well as punk in this record that parallel the heavy use of synthesizer and vibrant drum production.

There is definitely something that keeps this record so fresh with how unpredictable it is. Enter Shikari is no stranger to pushing boundaries, yet this album still stands out to me as one of their most impressive. From the classical arrangement of ‘Elegy For Extinction‘ to the pop-punk guitar riff of ‘modern living….‘, this LP is consistently dynamic and interesting.

Enter Shikari are on TikTok, Threads, X and Instagram. You can stream their album ‘Nothing is True & Everything is Possible‘ below or buy, and read more anniversary pieces here.

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