Helvetica Outbreak: The best thing that never happened to music!

My housemate and best friend from university came to stay last week, and as we relived the old days it reminded me of a little project we sank quite a few hours into - introducing Helvetica Outbreak, the ultimate drum 'n' bass/metal cross-over that sadly didn't make it!

Equipped with a couple of electric guitars and a macbook with Garageband, we had high ambitions which sadly were never realised. However, looking back on our jamming sessions, it doesn't matter that the music didn't travel much further than our ipods, because we had fun.

The Helvetica Outbreak myspace page still exists, so you can listen to our tracks - let me know if you like them!

Review: Enter Shikari - A Flash Flood of Colour

Music by Rou Reynolds, Rory Clewlow, Chris Batten and Rob Rolfe, lyrics by Rou Reynolds, produced by Dan Weller & Enter Shikari and published by Ambush Reality.

It's generally accepted that a band's second album is the 'difficult' one. Thinking from the musician's perspective, I imagine that it's more the case that every album is difficult. Will the critics rate it highly? Have we strengthened or comprised our style? Most importantly, will the fans react positively? Electronic rockers Enter Shikari probably battled with all these worries, what with their experimental style and vast fan-base. However, they have marshalled their talent and creativity, and have achieved another triumph with their third album, A Flash Flood of Colour.

Let's start off with the positives. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Enter Shikari as a band is Rou Reynolds' unique vocal style. Reynold's mix of snarling growls, sneering spoken-word, and soaring melodies is showcased perfectly in this album, especially in tracks like the metal/dubstep fusion 'Arguing With Thermometers'. Leading nicely on from the former point, A Flash Flood of Colour blends and contrasts musical styles to skilful effect. Enter Shikari don't use a variety of genres just for the sake of it or merely because they enjoy those types music – they do it because it encapsulates their message. The fury of metal and punk, the swagger of dubstep, the relentless speed of drum 'n' bass – these are the calling cards that display the band's passionate beliefs and challenges to society.

My favourite thing about Enter Shikari's latest album is that it represents the natural progression of the band maturing into their style. I particularly like that the band have continued to create more chilled tracks, such as 'Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here'. Yes, this album is a far cry from Take to the Skies, but that's not a bad thing. Enter Shikari clearly know who they want to be musically, and if you're not happy with that, then maybe you need to consider whether you're actually a true fan.

Onto the negatives. Let me say first that these are relatively minor complaints; this is a good album. However, A Flash Flood of Colour can be a little 'on the nose' lyrically at points. Yes, war is bad. Yes, corruption is bad. Yes, environmental awareness is good. We get the point. Another issue I have with the lyrical content of this album is the swearing. “What a prude,” I hear you mutter. This is a moral objection, but also one borne from my values as a writer. It's laziness to use foul language to convey a message, empty syllables that could be replaced by something a little more meaningful.

There are only a couple of other small criticisms I would level at Enter Shikari's third album. As I previously stated in my review of Common Dreads, I still think the guitars are a tiny bit lost in the mix, but there are a lot of other elements to blend so this doesn't bother me too much. I would also say that some of the tracks on this album are weak, like 'Hello Tyrannosaurus, Meet Tyrannicide', and the fact that the singles aren't included on the normal edition of record seems a bit cheap.

These negatives aren't massive hindrances in the path of Enter Shikari's latest musical offering. Despite some overly sincere lyrics and other minor flaws, A Flash Flood of Colour is a win for the band. This is a really great album for anyone who enjoys metal, electronica or a mixture of the two. I suggest you buy this album, turn the volume up, and enjoy.

Try this if you like: Chase and Status, The Devil Wears Prada, Hadouken!, Innerpartysystem, Killswitch Engage, Linken Park, Mad Capsule Markets, Nero, Pendulum, The Prodigy, Rage Against The Machine.

'They're much better live' - my gig stats

I'm not the most prolific follower of live music, but I've seen a quite a few bands over past few years. I remember my first trip into London on the National Express to see The Datsuns with a group of mates. There's something about the heat, stench and noise of a gig that doesn't quite translate onto a recorded song or album.

Most Frequent - this is quite a simple category, doesn't need much explanation. The '(s)' symbol means I saw the band as a support act.

1. Enter Shikari x3

2. The Datsuns x3

3. [dweeb] x2, x1 (s)

4. Pendulum x2

5. Verra Cruz x2

Most Surprising - these bands were either unexpectedly impressive or were unknown to me before I saw them live.

1. Shy Child

2. Gojira

3. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip

4. The Eyes Of A Traitor

5. Stereophonics

Most disappointing - not all live music experiences live up to expectations, as these acts demonstrated to me.

1. Dragonforce

2. My Chemical Romance

3. Incubus

4. Delirious?

5. Queens Of The Stone Age

Ambition Achieved - these are the bands that I wanted to see for years or managed to see before they split up.

1. Rage Against The Machine

2. Deftones

3. Fear Factory

4. Reuben

5. Sikth

Best Metal

1. Rage Against The Machine

2. Deftones

3. Fear Factory

4. Metallica

5. Trivium

Best Rock

1. Audioslave

2. Muse

3. Verra Cruz

4. [dweeb]

5. Manic Street Preachers

Best Electronic

1. Pendulum

2. The Prodigy

3. Justice

4. Enter Shikari

5. Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip

And The Rest - a round-up of all the other live acts I've seen.

36 Crazy Fists

Black Dahlia Murder

Biffy Clyro

Death From Above 1979

The Devil Wears Prada

Hundred Reasons

Jurassic 5

Norma Jean

Plan B

The Showdown

Skindred

The Sword

I know I've probably missed a few bands out, but that must mean they weren't very memorable. Post your own gig stats in the comments box below, on my facebook page or on twitter!

My top ten electronic albums

10. Badmarsh and Shri – Signs

Mixing Eastern tones and trip-hop beats, this album blends the sublime with the gritty. The instrumentation is what makes this record really shine, using strings and flutes in great contrast to electronic drum sounds. There are some fantastic vocal performances to be sampled here, especially during the chilled-out 'Sajanna', as well as some hectic beats on tracks like 'Tribal' and 'Bang'.

9. Shy Child – Noise Won't Stop

Get your synthesizers out! Keyboard and drums are all that this pair need to get the party started, and they do a very good job. This album contains some great synthpop tracks like the sunny tune 'Summer', but also some pumping aural assaults, summed up perfectly in the pounding bass of 'Kick Drum'. The rhythmic indie vocals fit well with the duo's bright sound, providing you with a tasty sonic cocktail with a pleasant aftertaste.

8. Mad Capsule Markets – OSC – DIS

Time for some punk-techno-metal. Combining raspy distorted bass, d'n'b drum loops, heavy guitars and confusing English/Japanese vocals, this record is an anime seizure for your ears. Although not purely an electronic album, this had to make the top ten for its original use of programmed instruments and beats, shown particularly well in the anthemic 'Pulse' and the high-speed attack of 'Midi Surf'.

7. Mistabishi – Drop

Since I reviewed this album a while ago, I've heard less than positive things about the artist's lack-lustre live performances. However, I'm rating the recorded album, not the performer; and this album is very good. Moving through different genres, such as dance, d'n'b and dubstep, the record is a great example of serene tones clashing with harsh bass and beats. Check out the unique 'Printer Jam' and brutal dubstep tune 'White Collar Grime'.

6. Propellerheads – Decksandrumsandrockandroll

With tracks from this album featuring in two motion pictures (Tomorrow Never Dies, The Matrix), you're probably more familiar with the record than you might have thought. Utilising some great samples and instruments, and with a variety of fast and laid-back tracks, this album features some fantastic nerdy electronic tunes. Highlights have to be the skateboard-sampling '360 Degrees' and the bullet-time classic 'Spybreak'.

5. Chase & Status – More Than a lot

As dubstep and drum and bass have recently risen in popularity and commercial appeal, this duo have successfully broken through into the mainstream (judge for yourself if this is good or bad). Nevertheless, this album is a fantastic achievement, containing some grinding yet soulful dubstep, shown in the tracks 'Eastern Jam' and 'Running', as well as d'n'b classics like 'Hurt You'.

4. Innerpartysystem – Innerpartysystem

Dark and dystopian, this record will take you to a totalitarian future where the party rules your every move – or maybe we're already there? Pumping out distorted bass and heavy beats, this rock/electro crossover album takes the best aspects of both genres and blends them with skill and originality. 'Don't Stop' attacks our contemporary consumer culture and is definitely worth a listen, as is the painful hypocrisy of 'Heart Of Fire'.

3. The Prodigy – Music For The Jilted Generation

Although almost all of this group's albums are absolute classics, I had to pick this record over the others purely on sentimental reasons. I remember hearing this in the common room during sixth form and thinking, I have to own this. Brilliant beats, uncompromising bass, smooth synths and some tasty guitar riffs make this a timeless record, with tracks like 'Voodoo People' and 'No Good' pouring on a healthy dose of electronic anarchy.

2. Leftfield – Rhythm And Stealth

Another record that brings out the rose-tinted spectacles, invoking memories of my not-so-distant youth. I first encountered the track 'Afrika Shox' from this album when the video was featured on a Playstation Magazine demo disc, and was mesmerised not only by the awesome imagery but also by the superb beats and sounds. Other great tracks are 'Phat Planet', famously featuring in a Guinness advert, and the album-opener 'Dusted'.

1. Pendulum – Hold Your Colour

This, my number one electronic album, gave me my first proper taste of drum and bass. As the cinematic opening track begins to play, you know you're in for an epic ride. And then 'Slam' kicks in, razing the ground with its unforgettable synth hook and superb breakdowns. Although this album does contain some more chilled tracks, such as 'Plastic World' and 'Girl In The Fire', it mostly offers the listener a high-octane d'n'b experience. Highlights include the reggae mash-up of 'Tarantula' and pounding club anthem 'Fasten Your Seatbeat'. If you want some powerful, innovative and emotive drum and bass, look no further.

So there you have it, my top ten electronic albums. Here's a shortlist of those that didn't quite make it into the elite.

The Chemical Brothers - Surrender

Daft Punk – Discovery

Gypsy and the Cat – Gilgamesh

Hurts - Happiness

Imogen Heap – Speak For Yourself

Justice – Cross

Leftfield - Leftism

Pendulum – In Silico

The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die

Let me know your own top ten electronic albums by posting in the comments section below.

Some musical mini-reviews

As the year draws to a close, I thought I'd provide you with a selection of mini-reviews, summarising my thoughts on a few of the albums I've purchased recently.

As I Lay Dying - Shadows Are Security

The second album from the USA's premier Christian metalcore band, charting their evolution from the raw brutality of their debut album, 'Frail Words Collapse', to a more refined and crafted sonic assault. Although some of the tracks are a little repetitive, AILD still retain their relentless aggression and passion, making this record an effective link in the band's musical progression.

Must-hear tracks: Confined, Empty Hearts

Rating: 3/5

Hurts - Happiness

If melodramatic 80's-inspired electro-pop is what you're after, then this duo from the UK is for you. Hurts debut album features incredibly catchy tunes, crisply recorded instrumentation and innovative yet vintage synths and beats. Pop princess Kylie Minogue also features on the record, giving the experience the authenticity it deserves.

Must-hear tracks: Wonderful Life, Better Than Love

Rating: 5/5

As I Lay Dying - The Powerless Rise

AILD's most recent release, featuring more piercing guitar harmonies, pummeling riffage, unforgiving drum beats and questioning lyrics. Although there are some great melodic sections to be sampled here, the solos let this album down, feeling unoriginal and bland for the most part. Not a bad record overall, but a step back from the perfection of 'An Ocean Between Us'.

Must-hear tracks: The Plague, Upside Down Kingdom

Rating: 4/5

Gypsy and the Cat - Gilgamesh

Another electro-pop duo for you now, but this time hailing from Australia. Possibly too sickly-sweet for some, but hitting the spot for others, this record features the great combination of lyrical ballads and programmed rhythms and tones. Some of the songs point to the band's influences a tad too overtly, but on the whole this a soulful and original album; I challenge you not to sing along.

Must-hear tracks: Time To Wander, The Piper's Song

Rating: 4/5

Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn

Christianity and heavy metal may not be a natural combination for some, but for US industrial-thrash veterans Demon Hunter, it's a way of life. This, the band's latest album, continues their no-holds-barred musical rampage, using epic riffs, rapid-fire drums and soaring vocals to spread their uncompromising message. As close to perfection as you can get outside of Heaven.

Must-hear tracks: Collapsing, Tie This Around Your Neck

Rating: 5/5

DJ Fresh - Kryptonite

And finally, some British drum and bass. This album features a mix of straight and swung tracks, as well as some dubstep beats for good measure. Although some of the songs aren't particularly special, there are a few absolute gems to be found here, utilising grimy synth tones, deep bass lines and high-speed drums alongside brilliant vocal performances.

Must-hear tracks: Talkbox, Golddust

Rating: 3/5

That's all for now, have a great New Year!

My Current Preoccupation

So I realised the other day, I haven't updated y'all on my latest creative project. No, it's not the rebirth of Helvetica Outbreak, Britain's premier d'n'b/metal act, sorry to disappoint.

I had planned for quite a while that when I finished uni I would use my spare time (before I get a proper job) to get a head-start on writing a novel. I was going to adapt my science fiction/noir screenplay for this purpose, but I figured that I've spend almost a year working on that narrative and it needs some time to ferment.

Whilst I was pondering what to use as my subject matter, an article in Christian Marketplace, an industry magazine for booksellers and buyers, was brought to my attention. The article was about the lack of fantasy fiction aimed at Christian teenagers, and how there's no viable Christian alternative to the popular specular fantasy sagas like Harry Potter, Twilight and the His Dark Materials books.

As soon as I read this I had the 'lightbulb flicking on above head' moment of realisation; this is what I could write. I started working on my idea and began writing a couple of weeks ago when I got home from uni. So far I have written 17,500 words, with my target being roughly 80,000 words, depending on how the narrative evolves.

I won't give away too much of the story, as I want to plug the gap in the market before anyone else does, and don't want any idea thieving going on! But I will say that the novel is about a Christian teenager who discovers he has the ability to cross over into the spiritual realm, where he is given the task of defeating the demons which manipulate people to sin the physical world. It's pretty dark stuff, but I figure that's what kids like these days. The protagonist also has to deal with the everyday pressures of being a Christian teenager, but I'm trying to avoid being 'preachy' and just sticking to basic helpful life-lessons, as well as encouraging the reader to develop their relationship with God.

There you have it. Like I said earlier, I hope to be approaching publishers by the end of the summer. We'll have to wait and see if I have any success, but I do really feel that this is something God has placed on my heart and that it is a way I can use my gifts to serve Him and bless others.

On another completely unrelated note, I can't wait to see Inception! It looks like it's going to be amazing. When you consider Christopher Nolan's track record, you can't really expect him to go wrong now. I've watched The Dark Knight over and over and every time I find some new aspect of it I didn't see before. Anyway, I think it's safe to say that Inception is gonna be my film of the summer, if not the year.

Also, on the topic of films, I started watching Princess Mononoke again the other day, and had forgotten what an incredible anime it is. If you like Studio Ghibli movies and haven't seen it yet, go and get a copy now, it is a breathtaking classic. Don't know if it's my favourite Miyazaki film, cos Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are also brilliant; and then there's My Neighbour Totoro, who could forgot that. Any movie that contains a cat that is also a bus gets a thumbs-up in my book!

My top ten metal albums

10. The Black Mages - The Black Mages - What do you get when you combine the genius of Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu and shamelessly cheesy prog-metal? An album of top-quality instrumental tracks exploding with screaming guitar solos and ethereal synths. The track 'Force Your Way', the boss music from Final Fantasy VII, demonstrates why this a must-have for metal and FF fans alike.

9. All That Remains - The Fall of Ideals - Standing out from the plethora of similar metalcore albums, this record contains the perfect mix of raging screams, melodic choruses, technical guitar solos and pummeling drum beats. It's hard to pick a stand-out track, as this album really is all killer and no filler, but I guess I'll have to go with 'It Dwells In Me', because it contains my favourite solo of the record!

8. Reuben - Racecar is Racecar Backwards - This album represents for me a reworking of the 90s grunge style for a new century, containing a messy, raw energy combined with heavy metal brutality. The British trio's best track from this album is 'Let's Stop Hanging Out' in my opinion, a discordant and yet effortlessly catchy tune with an awesome refrain.

7. Sikth - Death of a Dead Day - I almost forgot this album! Technical metal at its best, jazzy discordant licks placed skillfully alongside ferocious metallic double-kick drums and some of the most original vocals of any album. The lead guitar on this record is truly sublime, matching up to the standards of guitar virtuosos like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, and the riffs also follow this pattern. 'Part of the Friction' would have to be my choice for the best track on the album, its incredible intro leading into a great song, filled with superb licks.

6. Trivium - Ascendency - After a period of not listening to metal, this was the album that brought me back to the genre, in particular encouraging me to grab my guitar and learn some brutal riffs! The record bursts at the seams with soaring twin guitar attacks and powerful rhythms, with the song 'The Deceived' being the one that sticks out for me, a brilliant combination of lead guitar and relentless chugging.

5. Enter Shikari - Take to the Skies - The main inspiration for my short-lived band Helvetica Outbreak, this album represents a triumph of originality. The combination of drum 'n' bass beats, dance-inspired synths and crunching riffs is extremely organic, topped off with catchy and memorable lyrics. Once again, there are so many good tracks on this album, but if forced to pick, I'd have to choose 'Return to Energiser', due to its awesome trance breakdown that morphs into a hectic metal beat-down.

4. Pantera - A Vulgar Display of Power - R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell, one the most amazing guitarists of all time, and the creator the brilliant riffs and storming solos from this iconic groove-metal album. There is a Southern States swaggering attitude that exudes from all the songs on this record, a perfect blend of punk savagery and heavy metal furiousness. The track 'Walk' is my definite favourite, having one of the best metal riffs of all time and an epic solo, cementing DBD as one of my major guitar heroes.

3. Deftones - White Pony - One of the first albums I bought during my teenage years, and probably the start of my love affair with the musical genre of metal. Because of this nostalgia I chose this album over its predecessor 'Around the Fur', which is also an exceptional record. There is an eeriness and intensity to all of the Deftones' music, and this album is has some particularly powerful examples of this. My favourite track from this alternative metal classic changes every time I listen to it! At the moment I'd have to say 'Digital Bath' is the one, not only for its weird title but also for the dark, edgy feel and brooding soulful vocals it contains.

2. Fear Factory - Obsolete - Another one of my teenage favourites. This concept album, based around the story of a dystopian future where machines have surpassed mankind (disclaimer: this came out before The Matrix), is an unrelenting industrial assault, with growling vocals and electronic effects to finish of the mix. I think it's the literary connection that makes this album so good for me; the story surrounding the songs is top-notch. 'Edgecrusher' is the best track here, because of its brilliant riff and also because of its subject matter, a dark renegade machine fighting against the evil autocratic government of the future.

1. Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine - We've reached no.1! What a journey. This is my favourite album mainly because of Tom Morello, the band's guitarist. When I started playing guitar, the riffs from this album were incredibly fun to learn and still great to come back to. Morello is a phenomenal player, mixing traditional pentatonic rock with avant-garde solos and effects, pushing guitar playing to the very limits of what it can do. I don't really listen to Rage for the political stuff to be honest, it's all about the music for me. And for the record, I didn't download "Killing in the Name of' for Christmas no.1. What's the point? It's just gonna make the record company more money. Anyway, my favourite track has to be the album opener 'Bombtrack'. Quality riff, takes me back to the days when I used to play bass in my brother's band, rocking the school variety show! Fight the power!

So there you have it, my favourite metal albums. I had to make some difficult choices, excluding some great bands like Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Gojira, The Mad Capsule Markets and so on, but I'm happy with my final decisions. Feel free to comment, tell me whether you agree or think I've got it horribly wrong!

Mistabishi - Drop - Review

Music by Jamie Pullen, produced by Jamie Pullen and published by Hospital Records.

When you were standing in the office, staring blankly at the sheets of A4 paper relentlessly dropping into the tray, did you feel musically inspired? Mistabishi did, and he didn’t stop there, producing probably one of the best drum and bass albums this year.

Making his debut on Hospital Records in the later part of 2007 with the piano-led rave ‘No Matter What’, Mistabishi quickly gained critical acclaim, in particular from radio one’s Zane Lowe, Jo Whiley and Annie Mac. Now returning with his first studio album, the drum and bass innovator has generated a rising band of followers and has been nominated for the ‘Best Newcomer Award’ at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards 2009.

I first discovered Mistabishi the same way most casual drum and bass enthusiasts would have done; through the radio one promotion of his tune ‘Printer Jam’. A wonderfully inventive piece of music employing the whirrings and chirps of an ancient printer, the story goes that the song was created when the artist knew he was facing job loss and wanted to make use of his last few days in the office. Therefore he took his recording equipment in and sampled the sounds for his music, using the sonic by-product of the machinery to produce a pounding drum and bass anthem.

Of course with a song like ‘Printer Jam’ there is the danger that people will either dismiss it as a gimmick, or be disappointed when the other Mistabishi tracks do not have exactly the same ethos and feel. The ‘true’ drum and bass fans would mock the mainstream interest as a fad and Mistabishi would remain a favourite only to a select few. But this would only be a danger if the rest of Mistabishi’s tracks did not deliver the same level of ingenuity and passion, which happily is not the case.

Although pigeonholed as a drum and bass artist, Mistabishi demonstrates that he is not bound by genre with the vast array of styles and influences found on Drop. There certainly is a powerful drum and bass presence throughout the album, but even within that aspect there are differing facets. The grimy and gritty tones and beats of tracks like ‘Printer Jam’ and ‘Damage’ are contrasted by the ethereal synths and chilled feel of ‘Heaven’s Sake’ and ‘The View From Nowhere’. Breaking from the drum and bass mould Mistabishi dabbles in dub-step with relentless grinding of ‘White Collar Grime’ and ‘Wipe Your Tears’, the latter of which features a clever windscreen wiper sample. The use of trance-style piano riffs pummelling over the rhythms of ‘No Matter What’ demonstrates that even with his first hit track, Mistabishi is not content to churn out the expected, throwing off conformity from any aspect of his music.

Mistabishi has been described as the ‘Tyler Durden’ of drum and bass, a description that Drop supports very well. Although there are relaxed, ambient areas of the music, the album is laced with an unnerving edge, the feeling of violence and feral energy beneath the surface, which sometimes breaks through. In the same way that Fight Club’s protagonist eschews the mainstream material conformity proscribed for society, Mistabishi’s music seems to suggest a search for alternate meanings in a world that has been sold short by the vendors of greed and selfishness. Creativity brought on by the financial collapse is definitely a motivating factor Mistabishi, with Drop as the call to leave your office cubicle and find something that actually matters.

The only thing I don’t particularly like about this album, and it’s only a tiny little flaw, is that it has one of those extensive final tracks, made up mostly of noise in this case. Hidden tracks and silent gaps really annoy me, right from the days when I used to listen to Korn and had to skip the first twelve tracks on their album Follow The Leader to get to the music. On a practical level it wastes space on your hard-drive and MP3 player, which is just frustrating unless you have software to remove the gaps. Not a big deal really, I just would rather it wasn’t there.

Mistabishi’s Drop will not disappoint hardcore drum and bass enthusiasts or those enticed by hearing ‘Printer Jam’ in the mainstream setting either. Full of interesting and varied styles, the album speaks an ethical message on greed and materialism but without preaching or condescending. A unified collection of catchy tunes, Drop will get you on your feet and dancing in no time.

If you like this, then try: Badmarsh&Shri, Bloc Party, Chase & Status, Enter Shikari, Faithless, High Contrast, DJ Hype, Innerpartysystem, Pendulum, The Prodigy.

Visit Mistabishi’s official website

Vote for Mistabishi in the Drum & Bass Arena Awards 2009

What a pretty boy

Firstly, I've got to give a massive shout-out to Stu Fenwick for my new blog logo. Stu, you're a legend! Here are the versions of the logo Stu made.


And this is the second slightly different one.


I love having talented friends! If anyone else wants to draw/paint a logo for me, feel free. I'll change my logo monthly or something like that, so they all get shown.

I'm off to the cinema tonight to watch Harry Potter: The Half-Blood Prince, and expecting it to be fantastic. I haven't reread the book on purpose because I think it's more enjoyable that way. I'm sure people will disagree, but I think that I'll just notice all the bits left out if I watch it after reading the book.

I bought a couple of albums yesterday, Drop by Mistabishi and Killswitch Engage's new album, which is self-titled (although they already have a self-titled album, which will make things confusing). So expect some reviews in the next few weeks.

One more thing...

I forgot to mention this in the Common Dreads review but Enter Shikari were one of the main influences on a band that my old housemate Tom and I set up a couple of years ago. It didn't really get off the ground but we did manage to record some tracks which can be found on our myspace page. We were called 'Helvetica Outbreak' and we played a fusion of drum and bass/trance/metal, so not surprising that Enter Shikari were an influence.

Anyway, the band is very much moribund now as Tom as finished uni and gone home, but you can have a listen and see what you think. Click here to get to the myspace page.

Coming soon on 'The Musings of Samuelj' is another short story, a fairy tale I wrote for my university course called 'The Prince and the Bridge'. Hope you enjoy!

Enter Shikari - Common Dreads - Review

Music by Rou Reynolds, Rory Clewlow, Chris Batten and Rob Rolfe, lyrics by Rou Reynolds, produced by Andy Gray & Enter Shikari and published by Universal Music.

Returning with their new album Common Dreads, the quartet of mates that make up Enter Shikari have continued their brutal sonic attack on conformity. Despite its imperfections the band’s second record pushes the boundaries, a valiant effort worthy of praise.

Hailing from St Albans Enter Shikari were causing a stir in the underground music scene long before they effectively broke through into the mainstream with their first studio album Take To The Skies in 2007. Their innovative brand of electro-hardcore and high-energy performances has brought them a loyal fan-base in Britain and across the globe, blazing the trail for dance and drum ‘n’ bass influenced rock along with other acts such as Pendulum and Innerpartysystem.

Two years have passed since Take To The Skies and Enter Shikari have definitely been busy. As well as touring around the UK and beyond its borders the four lads have been working on their second album, Common Dreads. The process of recording the album could be viewed as a series of videos posted on the band’s website, a testament to how well Enter Shikari have embraced the digital advances and changes that are effecting every area of the entertainment industry. And it is good to see that the boys haven’t just stuck with the tried and tested formula, moving on from the success of their first album and trying new ground for the second.

One of the band’s strongest elements is that they deal in interlocking themes, not isolated ideas. Some of the vocal sections from Common Dreads will be strikingly familiar to fans of band, rousing these followers like a heart-stirring battle cry. Other sections will introduce new themes as the band confronts issues such as war, poverty, social responsibility and the death of community. Rou Reynolds’ lyrics flirt with the boundary between artful poetry and gritty dialect, tossing references to wordsmiths such as William Blake into his charming melodies and guttural screams.

As Enter Shikari are a crossover act in essence there are many influences that can be seen within Common Dreads. The rising anthemic beats and keyboards of trance can be found in tracks like ‘Hectic’ and ‘Gap In The Fence’. Grimy drum ‘n’ bass hooks and rhythms resound throughout the ‘Havoc’ instrumental tracks and also within the song ‘Wall’. Over these styles the pummelling riffs of punk and metal carve out their crunching destruction, setting Enter Shikari apart as an aggressive musical force. Also thrown into the mix are some quirky swung sections in ‘Zzzonked’ and ‘The Jester’, shaking up the format and showing the group as striving for originality.

The main flaw that can be found in Common Dreads however is that the focus seems to have been placed on the electronic side of the band’s sound, leaving the real instruments feeling slightly weak. Although the synth parts and processed beats have obviously been honed to perfection, its seems that this has been at the expense of the other musical elements. Rory Clewlows’ guitars are sometimes lost in the mix, not quite hammering through like they did on Take To The Skies, and the accompanying kick-drum rhythms don’t punch as crisply as they could. However, the fact that the band’s sound has changed since the last album is definitely a good thing. Although in my opinion some of the inherent power has been lost in Enter Shikari’s newest offering, it would be unforgivable if they hadn’t changed at all.

This imperfection does not however spoil the overall effect that Common Dreads has. The whole album flows together well, with each song strengthening those that follow and precede it. Creating anthems that contain brutality counter pointed with the ethereal is what Enter Shikari do best, shown in the albums strongest tracks; the thundering single ‘Juggernauts’ and the catchy breakneck tune that is ‘No Sleep Tonight’. It is obvious that the band has enjoyed themselves immensely in forging this new collection for their avid followers.

Aside from the slight lack of strength and definition earlier identified, Common Dreads is an album that works very well and is a formidable companion to Enter Shikari’s previous album. The artwork and presentation of the CD is well-honed and adds to the sense of connection and conviction that runs throughout energetic assault of Common Dreads. The four members of Enter Shikari have faced the horrific ‘dread’ of the second album, and they have fared incredibly well where others and fallen and failed.

If you like this, then try: DJ Hype, Faithless, High Contrast, Incubus, Innerpartysystem, Killswitch Engage, Linkin Park, The Mad Capsule Markets, Muse, The Prodigy, Pendulum, Shy Child.

Visit Enter Shikari's official website