Enter Shikari - Common Dreads

[Blake Solomon]

Enter Shikari – Common Dreads
Record Label: Ambush Reality
Release Date: June 15, 2009

It’s not enough to just sing about politics. Being “aware” doesn’t count for shit when Dude A is dragging Dude B from his pickup truck. At some point our scene heroes fixed their relationship problems and decided to turn their attention to the world at large. And despite pundits around the blogosphere pinpointing the demise of our lackluster culture as the fault of some asshole in tight jeans and diarrhea beats, it’s actually these “intelligent” individuals who are siphoning out all the fun. Rather than appearing “tuned in” (not a drug reference!), these visionaries sound the same as their broken-hearted forbearers. Whining is complaining is crying. I’ll give Enter Shikari and their schizophrenic frontman Rou Reynolds some credit though: there is more than just incessant whining on Common Dreads. When Reynolds roars over Armageddon-inspired breakdowns a mildly clichéd phrase like, “We are the grassroots resistance!,” well, I feel a tingle of inspiration. It’s as they say, sparks start fires.

Don’t misinterpret my overwhelming apathy. Rou Reynolds is never going to speak at a Uni’s commencement ceremony, but he doesn’t have to. Just because his band failed at inspiring me to join some “cause” doesn’t mean they’re misguided. Throwing socially motivated lyrics over grimy club beats might catch some drunk kid's ear and rouse him into action. My resistance stems from years of, well, resistance; forced cynicism grounded in the foolish notion that it would be some sort of original comedy bit. So don’t listen to me. Listen to Rou and ES. They care and, at the very least, that’s cool.

Sickening world views aside, let’s rejoice in one point: Common Dreads is much better than Take To The Skies. I had a feeling ES would figure themselves out, because the six good songs on their former release still weasel their way into my regular rotation. Opener “Solidarity” instantly mesmerizes with rapid-fire synths and explosive riffs. It’s the sort of thing you hope lasts throughout Common Dread’s 15-tracks, but it’s also near impossible to keep up this brutality without sacrificing the melody. That balancing battle is the bane of Enter Shikari’s existence. Cases in point: “The Jester” abandons all musicality for nothing in particular and “Gap In The Fence” is some sort of acoustic joke; no half-hearted techno climax can save that screeching mess. For each faulty song (there are 4 in total), there's a winner like “Juggernauts,” which works due to a downbeat climax playing as wonderful counterpart to the song’s later mixture of stuttering riffs and angry gang vocals.

Even the intermission tracks (“Havoc A,” “Havoc B” and "Halcyon") evade the boredom brought on by their predecessors by acting as acid-washed (that's a drug reference!) dance numbers instead of spots to breathe. Everything about Common Dreads is bigger and more realized. “Antwerpen” is catchy whilst still scraping our knees with pissed-off “La La Las”; “Hectic” moves forward on the legs of Reynolds’ much-improved electronics. It’s a dance party for the end of the world. And f**k me for typing that, but Common Dreads reminds me why loud music succeeds so readily. It’s an avenue to let it all go, and Common Dreads is an outlet of mammoth proportions.


Recommended If You Like: Sky Eats Airplane, I Have Clones, bank runs, electroEmery, gold rushes


www.myspace.com/entershikari

[Blake Solomon]

LOOK AT ME, MUM! I'M DANCING AND I CAN'T STOP!



x

[FaceLixeMurder]

no idea there was a new cd, wow

[overdrive91]

Love this CD. Good review.

[Paulb-182]

Liked the first release, might check this out as the first single's pretty good

[princesschad]

This album is so much better than Take to the Skies.

[John JD Dorian]

greek fail.

[Klatzke]

Excellently written

[npmshah]

i LOVED Take To The Skies, and i love the bands new socially conscious direction... cant wait to hear this album...

[saysmydoctor]

RIYLs are funny as usual, definitely got a kick out of bank runs. :appl: I love these guys, will listen.

[Greg.Kushlan]

I liked their older stuff, but it got old after a couple of listens. This got old half way through the album.

[timb89]

no idea there was a new cd, wow

niether did i! and i saw nothing about this on the site so i posted it to the news a week ago... but my news never ever gets posted.

the cd is pretty good... i personally like take to the skies better.

although the we can breathe in space newer version was freaking epic

[TachyonEvan]

Good review, very fair score.

[AndrewIcex]

I can handle the review, it seems accurate for the band when thinking of the older stuff. They have their ups and downs with me.

[xtbs7645x]

clicked this thinking it be low, as said above fair score.. love this album :)

[foisol]

I want to get into this album, but I'm worried it might fade on me. We'll see...

[superBMRuth]

you said nothing about Zzzzonked, that's my favorite off of this album. good review though.

[Mr_Ian]

I think Gap In The Fence is an amazing tune. The only song that's a bit of a clunker is The Jester, which even then has an interesting middle section. Juggernaut is my favourite song of the year so far i think. The DJ in my local nightclub played it three times during his set the other night and no-one complained!

[denissuxx]

Terrible terrible album

Fuck this band

[Alex DiVincenzo]

I dug a few songs off the last album and this review made me interested in the new one.

[HometownHero]

Terrible terrible album

Fuck this band
I wouldn't go as far to say fuck this band but I didn't think this album was any good either

[denissuxx]

I wouldn't go as far to say fuck this band but I didn't think this album was any good either
I hate the change they made.

They've gone from playing dumb hardcore with synths, to playing slightly lighter stuff, which is full of politcal nonsense, about how we must unite, and society is fucked. Do not want.

It hurts to see stupid people trying to be clever, and I just feel that's what they're doing.

[canvasofwinter]

I want so, so badly to like this album, but it seems like such a mess. The guitar, which was never the strong point of Take to the Skies, has been dumbed down even further here, and the song structures have taken a similar dive. Half of the songs are literally one or two riffs dragged out over four minutes. And the lyrics are completely cringe-worthy. At least on Take to the Skies, most of the bad lyrics felt tongue-in-cheek.

I do kind of like Solidarity, Wall, and Antwerpen, but I can't get into the rest of it. It all feels uninspired, bland, and rushed. I really hope it grows on me some more.

[The Apollo Kid]

I hate the change they made.

They've gone from playing dumb hardcore with synths, to playing slightly lighter stuff, which is full of politcal nonsense, about how we must unite, and society is fucked. Do not want.

It hurts to see stupid people trying to be clever, and I just feel that's what they're doing.
I really dont see how talking about their own view of politics leads them to be stupid. Though dont get me wrong, I would rather boil my own head than listen to an album that revolves around political banter

[tipoftheiceberg]

listened to this through a few times
can't get into it

[denissuxx]

I really dont see how talking about their own view of politics leads them to be stupid. Though dont get me wrong, I would rather boil my own head than listen to an album that revolves around political banter
I didn't say they were stupid because of their 'own views on politics', I was saying they were stupid because, having met them, and experienced their live show, they seem like a bunch of pretty ordinary, yet uneducated guys playing music.

My ultimate point being, that I don't want to listen to them preach about how the world/society is fucked.

[acratertocoffin]

I'm going to give it another try, but as of now I really hate this record. It's also really bad live.

[Sashaisacoustic]

I like this album, but Take to the Skies holds a special place in my heart /gay.

[aoftbsten]

I'm finding it really hard to get into this album.

[jackSHIT]

decent album, not sure whether i prefer it to TTTS though.

[ffadam]

RIYL lacks The Streets

[Kgod]

Good review. I needed this to keep me stoked on this album.

[abbysmith]

I really enjoy Enter Shikari. I'll have to check this out.

[iAMhollyood315]

i'm the juggernaut bitch!

[denissuxx]

RIYL lacks The Streets
I swear, I was the first person to say that haha

[Nick Le]

Will check this out. Good review.

[Brett3]

I like the songs i've heard off of this so far.

[Melkor]

I didn't say they were stupid because of their 'own views on politics', I was saying they were stupid because, having met them, and experienced their live show, they seem like a bunch of pretty ordinary, yet uneducated guys playing music.

My ultimate point being, that I don't want to listen to them preach about how the world/society is fucked.

You can't be serious? Where did you meet them, a pub quiz? How long were you talking for? How the fudge did their live show hint they were uneducated? I went to see them a while back and it was fun but they hardly talked much. I don't know how you can view them as 'uneducated' based off one meeting.

Anyway, that wasn't my main gripe with you, I have never met them personally so wouldn't know. I have only heard two songs off the new record and while sounding preachy how on earth can you say because they are 'ordinary guys' they are stupid to offer a view? You realise how fucking snobbish you sound? I think more people should offer a view of the world they see instead of walking around oblivious and apathetic because people like you shout them down as they aren't 'educated', whatever that terrible word means, or whatever else is wrong with them. I mean really, come on man, whether their view is just them moaning about the state of the world if it causes one kid listening to take an interest then it can only be a good thing, whether the band is ES or Rage Against the Machine or Rise Against or whoever.

Blake alluded to a few points like that in his review and I enjoyed the review. Loved TTTS when it came out but got tired of it quick, too much filler I think, but some good tracks. Not loving the two ('Juggernauts' and 'Antwerpen') I have heard on this but will give the whole thing a go at some point.

[denissuxx]

You can't be serious? Where did you meet them, a pub quiz? How long were you talking for? How the fudge did their live show hint they were uneducated? I went to see them a while back and it was fun but they hardly talked much. I don't know how you can view them as 'uneducated' based off one meeting.

Anyway, that wasn't my main gripe with you, I have never met them personally so wouldn't know. I have only heard two songs off the new record and while sounding preachy how on earth can you say because they are 'ordinary guys' they are stupid to offer a view? You realise how fucking snobbish you sound? I think more people should offer a view of the world they see instead of walking around oblivious and apathetic because people like you shout them down as they aren't 'educated', whatever that terrible word means, or whatever else is wrong with them. I mean really, come on man, whether their view is just them moaning about the state of the world if it causes one kid listening to take an interest then it can only be a good thing, whether the band is ES or Rage Against the Machine or Rise Against or whoever.

Blake alluded to a few points like that in his review and I enjoyed the review. Loved TTTS when it came out but got tired of it quick, too much filler I think, but some good tracks. Not loving the two ('Juggernauts' and 'Antwerpen') I have heard on this but will give the whole thing a go at some point.
tl;dr

[MorningStar10]

Love this album, the message behind it is so naive and obvious yet at the same time impressionable. Lyrics such as 'We think we can enforce democracy, when we are weakening ours everyday'. Just impose themselves on someone who doesn't necessarily become indulgent in political issues.

Its more extreme in every level, with a kind of Refused on Ecstasy feel to it, which i just love, this album is made to be blared out. Also you didn't talk about the quite Disturbing lyrics in 'The Wall' about putting plug sockets in someone's knees and putting a mantlepiece in his upper lip.

Anyone from the UK, the song Juggarnauts is actually about Tesco as well. weird but wonderful.

[cory-182]

no idea there was a new cd, wow
Same here. I knew they put out an EP/Single, but i didn't know about this one.

[ship of fools]

I like the meaning they try to put in their music. Good review.

[MorningStar10]

I didn't say they were stupid because of their 'own views on politics', I was saying they were stupid because, having met them, and experienced their live show, they seem like a bunch of pretty ordinary, yet uneducated guys playing music.

My ultimate point being, that I don't want to listen to them preach about how the world/society is fucked.

You sir are a dick and a wrong one at that.
They are ordinary, everyday people that is what makes it appealing, Rou is not Tom Delonge fronting himself as a Messiah, 'voice of the people' mean anything?

Also they went to same school as me, Rou got AAB in A-level (A's in Philisophy and English) and i know the rest of them got into Uni's but due to success of bands decided to not go. I have met them several times, Rob is a nut-case but they are very intelligent people, and i think their songs reflect this, just look at lyrics in 'The Jester'.

Also their songs are specifically talking bout how their local community is fucked up, but this becomes directly applicable to soceity as a whole. So my ultimate point being, they are knowledgable young guys who can get their point across in a way which is relatable to a lot of young people, so i would happily listen to them preach all day long.

[denissuxx]

You sir are a dick and a wrong one at that.
They are ordinary, everyday people that is what makes it appealing, Rou is not Tom Delonge fronting himself as a Messiah, 'voice of the people' mean anything?

Also they went to same school as me, Rou got AAB in A-level (A's in Philisophy and English) and i know the rest of them got into Uni's but due to success of bands decided to not go. I have met them several times, Rob is a nut-case but they are very intelligent people, and i think their songs reflect this, just look at lyrics in 'The Jester'.

Also their songs are specifically talking bout how their local community is fucked up, but this becomes directly applicable to soceity as a whole. So my ultimate point being, they are knowledgable young guys who can get their point across in a way which is relatable to a lot of young people, so i would happily listen to them preach all day long.
agaaaaaaaain,

tl;dr

[MorningStar10]

agaaaaaaaain,

tl;dr


Again...

DICK

[xtheaudition]

i want now!

[rawker31]

I love Enter Shikari and I'm really liking the two songs that I have heard. Where can I listen to the rest of the album?

[Blake Solomon]

Love this album, the message behind it is so naive and obvious yet at the same time impressionable. Lyrics such as 'We think we can enforce democracy, when we are weakening ours everyday'. Just impose themselves on someone who doesn't necessarily become indulgent in political issues.

Its more extreme in every level, with a kind of Refused on Ecstasy feel to it, which i just love, this album is made to be blared out. Also you didn't talk about the quite Disturbing lyrics in 'The Wall' about putting plug sockets in someone's knees and putting a mantlepiece in his upper lip.

Anyone from the UK, the song Juggarnauts is actually about Tesco as well. weird but wonderful.

As long as they aren't bashing my beloved Sainsburys, ill be happy.

[Luke_Skywalker]

Terrible terrible album

Fuck this band

go back to your it-leaked.com and leak zine reviewrinserepeat.com and write about it

[blinkme]

really can't stand the single released in support of this album.

[hockeyguitar99]

I hate that people are associating The Streets with this pile of mediocrity.

[hockeyguitar99]

agaaaaaaaain,

tl;dr

Wow. Mature.

[aoftbsten]

Love this album, the message behind it is so naive and obvious yet at the same time impressionable. Lyrics such as 'We think we can enforce democracy, when we are weakening ours everyday'. Just impose themselves on someone who doesn't necessarily become indulgent in political issues.

Its more extreme in every level, with a kind of Refused on Ecstasy feel to it, which i just love, this album is made to be blared out. Also you didn't talk about the quite Disturbing lyrics in 'The Wall' about putting plug sockets in someone's knees and putting a mantlepiece in his upper lip.

Anyone from the UK, the song Juggarnauts is actually about Tesco as well. weird but wonderful.
Thought it was about a Morrisons, just because of the whole "Shut down the Morrisons!" thing at the end of Havoc B (well, at least that's what I think they're saying)

[doppelganger]

good review. i agree with score. maybe a teensy bit lower.

[xenjo1]

Thought it was about a Morrisons, just because of the whole "Shut down the Morrisons!" thing at the end of Havoc B (well, at least that's what I think they're saying)
all this killing is obscene, shut down the war machine.

[Hainzey X]

did not know that common dreads was out there. good review, blake. got me real excited to give this a listen.

[Hainzey X]

tl;dr
wow, really ? sweet cop out.

you've got balls, going off on a rant about " uneducated guys ", yet claiming that someones response to the trash you post was too long for your tiny brain to read.

[Cheshire_Buddha]

Bad band is still bad.

[andym182]

i absolutely love their new album! Its amazing! Their first one was awesome too! The Jester is actually one of my favourites on the new record.

[Blake Solomon]

wow, really ? sweet cop out.

you've got balls, going off on a rant about " uneducated guys ", yet claiming that someones response to the trash you post was too long for your tiny brain to read.
hahah, good point.

[Shrillex]

Will definitely look into this.

[Iwudstilldie4u]

I think I wish electroEmery existed...

[Cheesus]

Again...

DICK

this.

[deanster321]

I agree with the review pretty much completely. They've gone up a long way in my estimation with this album.

If you don't like what they're singing about now (or rather, the themes that are more apparent in their lyrics than they were previously) then be a little less sanctimonious yourself and don't pay attention to them. It's not hard.

[jon.]

Terrible terrible album

Fuck this band
This.

[anthonydarko]

Still think this band is over-rated and will be forgotten this time in 2 to 5 years.

[Handraa]

I need to hear this.

[Blake Solomon]

I need to hear this.
you'll probably be very into this.

[AndrewIcex]

Listened to it... I am really meh about it, doesn't really make me go "wow" but it is not the worst music that I have heard, I did enjoy their older stuff to a point, depending on the song.

[MorningStar10]

Thought it was about a Morrisons, just because of the whole "Shut down the Morrisons!" thing at the end of Havoc B (well, at least that's what I think they're saying)

haha. Nah its Tesco as they tried to buy over this park (only place for young people to go in my hometown) and Rou rallied against it hence last line 'Community will be something displayed in a museum'.

They are in fact huge Morrison supporters, but fucking hate the dreaded ASDA.

[aoftbsten]

all this killing is obscene, shut down the war machine.
Yea, I'd say that fits better.

[denissuxx]

Again...

DICK

Thanks, you're obviously a fanboy, so I'm not gonna waste my time arguing with you. I have my opinion, you have yours.

As long as they aren't bashing my beloved Sainsburys, ill be happy.

Haha, how do you know about Sainsburys? :-p

go back to your zine reviewrinserepeat.com and write about it

Nice account Jesse. Made an account juuuuuuuuust to say that. Fucking sad dude, fucking sad.

Wow. Mature.

Couldn't be bothered to give a dignified response to him.

wow, really ? sweet cop out.

you've got balls, going off on a rant about " uneducated guys ", yet claiming that someones response to the trash you post was too long for your tiny brain to read.

Nicely played.

As I said, I simply couldn't be bothered to read and respond there.

Also, brain size has no impact on intelligence ;-)

[more heart]

I'll check this out since I enjoyed their older material.

[MorningStar10]

Thanks, you're obviously a fanboy, so I'm not gonna waste my time arguing with you. I have my opinion, you have yours.


It was more your 'cop out' and disregard and ignorance of comments questioning your opinon that stimulated my 'dick' response.
Not a Fan-Boy per se, just when a band break out from your hometown you are always going to be protective over them in a way, like my little pupppiee.

[denissuxx]

It was more your 'cop out' and disregard and ignorance of comments questioning your opinon that stimulated my 'dick' response.
Not a Fan-Boy per se, just when a band break out from your hometown you are always going to be protective over them in a way, like my little pupppiee.

Fair enough. As I said, fanboy.

[hockeyguitar99]

Thanks, you're obviously a fanboy, so I'm not gonna waste my time arguing with you. I have my opinion, you have yours.



Haha, how do you know about Sainsburys? :-p



Nice account Jesse. Made an account juuuuuuuuust to say that. Fucking sad dude, fucking sad.



Couldn't be bothered to give a dignified response to him.



Nicely played.

As I said, I simply couldn't be bothered to read and respond there.

Also, brain size has no impact on intelligence ;-)
Except you did respond, and in that, made him look infinitely more mature and intelligent.

[denissuxx]

Except you did respond, and in that, made him look infinitely more mature and intelligent.
I see how I made myself look less mature/intelligent, I cannot see however how I made him look more mature/intelligent.

[hockeyguitar99]

I see how I made myself look less mature/intelligent, I cannot see however how I made him look more mature/intelligent.
Because you were the comparison point.

[Blake Solomon]

Thanks, you're obviously a fanboy, so I'm not gonna waste my time arguing with you. I have my opinion, you have yours.



Haha, how do you know about Sainsburys? :-p



Nice account Jesse. Made an account juuuuuuuuust to say that. Fucking sad dude, fucking sad.



Couldn't be bothered to give a dignified response to him.



Nicely played.

As I said, I simply couldn't be bothered to read and respond there.

Also, brain size has no impact on intelligence ;-)
I lived in England (Surrey) for a few years when I was younger.

[MorningStar10]

I lived in England (Surrey) for a few years when I was younger.

ah that place is lame, im SURREY to hear that.
Also it is is no way the greater London.

Two Shocking jokes for the price of one.

[denissuxx]

I lived in England (Surrey) for a few years when I was younger.

Ahh nice. Surrey is beautiful

[Handraa]

you'll probably be very into this.
Judging by your review.
I will be.

[alert=danger]

Much preferred take to the Skies.
I am not very keen on the vocals on this.

[zuizyde]

wow didnt know they had another album out, Love them ^^ Take to the skies is so good.

[sweepthenation]

Wow the member ratings are so low

[Handraa]

you'll probably be very into this.
You were right.
I love this album.

[drzafs]

I have no idea why everyone is hating on this album. Its really good. Awesome mix of the synth and the hardcore stuff.

[gr3gxxx]

this dude is terrible at reviewing albums

[libo]

didnt like the review, and i dont agree with you.

u didnt even mention jaggernauts, which in my opinion, is maybe the best song they ve written so far.

they changed style, dancy? music, good lyrics, creative writting, i love the album.

[Klatzke]

didnt like the review, and i dont agree with you.

u didnt even mention jaggernauts, which in my opinion, is maybe the best song they ve written so far.

they changed style, dancy? music, good lyrics, creative writting, i love the album.
Juggernauts is definitely the best track, but I'd go via a different way of asserting that.

[Blake Solomon]

this dude is terrible at reviewing albums

probably true

didnt like the review, and i dont agree with you.

u didnt even mention jaggernauts, which in my opinion, is maybe the best song they ve written so far.

they changed style, dancy? music, good lyrics, creative writting, i love the album.

what did you disagree with? It seems like we both liked it.

Juggernauts is definitely the best track, but I'd go via a different way of asserting that.

My dearest Klatzke, the gentleman is obviously right! He asserted all over my ass!

[Blake Solomon]

didnt like the review, and i dont agree with you.

u didnt even mention jaggernauts, which in my opinion, is maybe the best song they ve written so far.

they changed style, dancy? music, good lyrics, creative writting, i love the album.
and i did mention juggernauts. Oh wait, did I not read all of your comment before commenting? That must feel terrible.

[kevinAIWW]

this cd is soooo ballsy compared to the crappy hardcore that is displayed in take to the skies.. they stepped outside of that hardcore box, and made something completely new out of themselves and that is why i love this album so much.

[yourcrapsweak]

Didn't like this album as much as Take To The Skies.
Maybe that's just me.

[StartAngry&Mad]

Such a tighter and more focused effort than TTTS, obviously they're an acquired taste, and I probably won't listen to this too often, but they've definately learned to integrate the electronics and multiple vocal styles into their songs. In the past, aside from a few exceptions like Mothership the screaming and beats sounded forced or out of place, it's a lot more cohesive of a sound now

[Blake Solomon]

Such a tighter and more focused effort than TTTS, obviously they're an acquired taste, and I probably won't listen to this too often, but they've definately learned to integrate the electronics and multiple vocal styles into their songs. In the past, aside from a few exceptions like Mothership the screaming and beats sounded forced or out of place, it's a lot more cohesive of a sound now
good post, i most definitely agree.

[kevinAIWW]

I come back to this, people need to chill out. Really, it's just music! And we're online!......get over it.

[CheckeredFloors]

i agree that this album is better then take to the skies.
the keyboards are much better thatn they were on TTTS.

not a huge fan of zzonked and some of the other angrier tracks.
i have hundreds of other bands tht i can listen to when i want angry.
i listen to ES for fun and something more dancey.

[eatbabiesyum]

while i prefer the first album, and it's style, common dreads is fantastic :)

[iamtaylorrr]

Seeing Zzonked live made the song so much better.

[icynova]

Not my thing. Sounds too much like Attack Attack.

[JEFF0OO]

Not my thing. Sounds too much like Attack Attack.
you crazy, attack attack is way more hardcore focused, i mean their new album is basically just chugging for 30 mins, i think shikari is more techno focused. which is why tribalism came out. if anyone likes some good hardcore techno, and some savage dubstep i recomend that you check it out..it's also got like three new songs on it


much love everyone

[BooshCarmichael]

I'm pretty sure that anyone who simply dismisses this band as "techno-metal" is totally missing the point. Also, their band doesn't claim to be some sort of political expert, or have any answers - they simply would just rather sing about general cultural observations than whatover bullshit you expect heavier bands to sing about (girls, blood, dragons, etc).

This whole album is amazing, and while I can see it's potential downsides, I still consider it far more original than anything that's graced this site for a while. God forbid they try to nudge you slightly in to the direction of thinking and experiencing new sounds.

Their live show is incredible too - their set at the Troubadour on the 4th was the best thing I've seen in years.

It seems like most people here are adverse to change, or having unpredictable parts of songs come at them...or maybe even just having to dance a little bit to one of ES's grooves.

Grow up, and give the album a fair chance.