[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - SSSNAKEPIT

Artist: Enter Shikari
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Rock

Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Ambush Reality

Website: http://www.entershikari.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/entershikari

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/entershikari

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/entershikari

Today shall forever be known as International Sssnakepit Day, for it today sees the release ‘Sssnakepit’, the latest track from one the best UK acts around right now, in Enter Shikari. It’s the follow up to 'Quelle Surprise' and 'Destabilise', and is a royal treat for the loyal lions. 

These 3 minutes of mayhem begin with an air of tension before gliding into some underground drum & bass and some wobbles with Rou acting as the lyrical MC. This is abruptly halted by the most eargasmic guitar riff and a build up to another bout of tension until a cry of ‘ah come on, just open the door’. Then BANG! It does exactly that, opens the door to a world of pure ecstasy developing into an eclectic noise of driving guitars and drums that even the screams of Rou can’t overpower. The sonic tempo is continued until the chorus subtly blends in followed by the return of that superb guitar riff. Then as if things couldn't get any heavier, the track suffers a hard drop to a heavy bass and the line, “yeah, yeah we’re nice guys…” followed by subsequent growls of “until we’re not!”. This brutal breakdown lasts until the switch-up to the chorus accompanied by an impressive hook and the ensuing switch-down to incorporate the group vocals, until climaxing just as it begun with some teasing drum and bass.

This is the first spoonful of the metaphorical trifle that is, the as of yet unnamed upcoming third studio album due for release in early 2012 via Hopeless Records. Full lyrics can be found here, and the official video below. Enjoy!

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Enter Shikari - QUELLE SURPRISE

Artist: Enter Shikari
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Rock

Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK

Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Ambush Reality

Website: http://www.entershikari.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/entershikari

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/entershikari

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/entershikari

“Quelle Surprise”, a French translation of “What a Surprise”. In truth, there is no surprise, Enter Shikari have once again lived up to their very high expectations and returned with something completely unsurprising, an absolute banger!

It portrays everything that makes Shikari the successful band they are today. They execute clever breaks and loops, as well as a superb manipulation of synthesisers and keyboards, in what is another truly classic amalgamation of rock and electro. As with most of their other tracks, this doesn’t follow the generic song structure as the boys mash up with characteristic old-school Shikari breakdowns keeping you captivated throughout. This tune provides hardcore passion and power in abundance! Although the song is arguably not as innovative and creative musically as previous efforts, this is something they have sacrificed in order to give the lyrical content a deeper meaning and understanding.  

It follows the direction of things to come set by the one-off hit 'Destabilise’ released back in late 2010 and is Zane Lowe’s hottest record in the UK right now. 'Quelle Surprise' is the first single of the forthcoming album set for release early next year, the bands third studio album following on from 2009’s smash hit ‘Common Dreads’.

Rou’s hairstyle in the video leaves much to be desired, but that aside this tune is one which will undoubtedly be greatly received by the lions and if allowed time to grow, will become absolutely huge in the summer of 2011 AD.

‘Quelle Surprise’ was released on May 19^th, you can check out the video for it below:

Matthew Evans