ENTER SHIKARI
"Take to the Skies" (Tiny Evil;
2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
You gotta give Enter Shikari credit for trying. Apparently tired of all the soundalike screamo out there, the band decided to try something different: combining screamo, hardcore and rave(!) to invent a sound all their own.
The good news is that the band has at least partially succeeded. "Take to the Skies" is indeed a unique sounding record. Imagine standing in a hallway and on your right was a band playing modern emo in the vein of, say, Silverstein or the like, while on your left was a room full of horny dancers gyrating to throbbing rave music. Imagine those two sounds melding between your ears and, basically, you get the sound of Enter Shikari.
The bad news is that it just doesn't really work. The sounds that make up this combination are so different and so unique to themselves that this CD seldom gels, instead feeling like the above-described hallway. You'll want to turn one way or the other to find the balance that the band just can't seem to locate.
Still, it should be noted that the band members all display considerable talent and skill as musicians and their courage and determination in attempting something new is admirable. I won't be surprised if Enter Shikari re-surfaces in the near future with an album that has worked out all the kinks and, hence, is more entertaining than "Take to the Skies."
Enter Shikari: Roughton “Rou” Reynolds-Vocals, Electronics, Lap Steel; Chris Batten-Bass, Vocals; Liam “Rory” Clewlow-Guitar, Backing Vocals; Rob Rolfe-Drums.
For more information, check out http://www.entershikari.com or http://www.myspace.com/entershikari.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2008 by R.
Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 23 Sep 2024 14:47:19 -0400
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