Saturday 4 June 2011

Single Review - Enter Shikari : Quelle Surprise (2011)
























Enter Shikari are a band without equal who have been climbing to ladder to success ever since the release of their debut album, 'Take to the Skies' in 2007. Their sound has few true counterparts, and although their trance laced post-hardcore has been emulated by many, it has never been bettered, proving that originality does indeed conquer the factory churned out music of certain bands of the modern era. Another full length release, 'Common Dreads' in 2009, solidified Enter Shikari as a heavy powerhouse, albeit a band cut from a very different cloth to standard metal quartets.

With a third album in the works, Enter Shikari have released a new single entitled 'Quelle Surprise', the first new song from the Shikari camp since previously released stand-alone single 'Destabilise'. It's not clear whether either of these singles will appear on the new album, but it's a treat for fans to get a hit of what the band in 2011 sound like and a welcomed insight into what shape the album may take once it is completed.

Even after just a few seconds of the string tones at the very beginning of 'Quelle Surprise', it's already clear that this is going to be a trademark Shikari track, and by the time the synth beats begin to grind in along with a jolting guitar line, it's obvious that the band will be pushing themselves and breaking boundaries like they always do with each new release. Vocalist Rou Reynolds spits words over this delightful intro, lyrics exploring the potential of the human race in the 21st century, before making the transition into a rougher vocal style, with raspy screams insisting that 'we're so f***king adaptable.'

through. 'If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything' is sung with passion and intensity, so much so that it is clear that these lyrics are the message of 'Quelle Surprise' as a whole. They do, after all, appear in large letters on the artwork of the single. The chorus of this song is satisfying and punchy, as are the choruses of most of Enter Shikari's best tracks, with the rhythm section of the band working overtime as the guitars chug and the vocals soar.

Talking of chugs, this song has a breakdown that is both perfectly executed and dignified, its simplicity not outweighing its mosh-worthy qualities. It thunders in with the prominent chugs, including synth notes and noises between them, before the spoken-word vocals from the intro of the song return over it. This is where things get extremely interesting, with a quirky spin on the song being applied to generate a genuine talking point (mainly based upon questioning what it must represent) as Reynolds begins to choke on his words. And that's literally, as it sounds as though he cannot finish a line of lyrics without his voice cutting off. Perhaps a cheeky wink at the powers that be trying to silence those who oppose them, who knows? Whatever the reason, it's an addition to the song that makes it that much more enjoyable.

The chorus chimes in again before the vocals build up into a crescendo, drawing the song to a close. That’s the moment that you can really reflect on what you’ve heard and no doubt start the song over again. If we get more of this on the brand new album, then it’s going to be a recording that should really not be missed. I’m confident that Enter Shikari will continue their journey to the very top and I’m excited to see just what it takes for them to get there.

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