The boys are back once again to infiltrate your mind and take you on another ride into Shikari’s world, this time with the ever-famous Shikari sound system. With the release of their 2023 UK chart-topping album, ‘A Kiss For The Whole World.’ and performing at none other than Wembley Arena! Enter Shikari with a companion album that features previously unavailable tracks, reimagined versions by Shikari Sound System, and recordings from their BBC Radio Future Sounds session— there truly is something for every fan here.
The album kicks off with a Shikari Sound System take on ‘Goldfish’ followed by ‘Bloodshot,’ where most of the excitement will be found. Rou Reynolds, widely acclaimed as one of the greatest lyricists in alternative music, showcases his diverse talents in ‘Goldfish.’ The first fifteen seconds of ‘Dancing On The Frontline’ may leave the impatient wondering what’s new, but those who attended their recent tour know what’s coming: the giant fish, vacant eyes, and the undeniable urge to lose yourself to the music. ‘Bloodshot’ then tests your sound system with its hard-hitting bass and high-energy beat. Only two tracks in, it’s clear that few bands can match the electrifying energy of Enter Shikari.
The journey through the twelve months since ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’ begins with ‘The Void Stares Back,’ featuring Wargasm. Milkie Way and Sam Matlock’s chaos perfectly complements Reynolds’ clean vocals on this otherworldly track. ‘Bull’ with Cody Frost is more danceable, with earworm lyrics in the chorus, though it doesn’t hit the same disruptive level as other tracks. ‘STRANGERS’ featuring AViVA, previously underappreciated, is sonically uplifting and lyrically intriguing, with a massive chorus poised to explode. ‘Losing My Grip,’ featuring Fever 333’s Jason Aalon Butler, oozes charisma amidst an existential crisis, creating a compelling contrast.
The final five tracks, from the BBC Radio Future Sounds session, reveal the band’s live music prowess without a crowd. ‘It Hurts’ showcases Reynolds’ vocal range, blending heartfelt spoken sections, clean vocals, and harsher tones, with backing vocals from Chris Batten. ‘Bull’ highlights Cody Frost’s talents, delivering raw performances that should convince any fence-sitters about seeing the band live. For the truly stubborn, ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’ and ‘Bloodshot’ join the BBC Radio One Rock Show session versions, with the title track bringing desperation and adrenaline into a unique live setting.
Those who are familiar with Enter Shikari’s experimental follow up albums will no doubt be satisfied with ‘Dancing On The Frontline’, with a variety of tracks that once again share the bands sensational experimental diversity and raw talent in a live setting. But those looking for a different outing will be disappointed with overall criticism focusing on the lack of new material ( if The main criticism is the lack of new material – guess we’ll just have to wait a little bit longer until that Shikari x Pendulum collab. Nonetheless, it’s a satisfying release for fans and a fitting precursor to their next album.