Ravers on their worst behaviour
For a band that are still technically unsigned (they created their own label), Enter Shikari are a band who have achieved an enormous amount, in a short space of time, all off their own backs. This year has seen their début 'Take To The Skies' reach number 4 in the UK album chart, a sold out UK tour in the first half of 2006, followed by the obligatory slog around the UK and European festivals, towards the end of which, they picked up two Kerrang! Awards, one for spirit of independence and one for Best Live Band
It is the latter award, by all accounts, is most deserved. Their live shows are typically packed with energy, lasers, crowd sing along moments and raw intensity, and where, allegedly, the band excel most.
Enter Shikari arrive to the customary glow-stick waving, strobe light flashing and downright chaotic admiration from the audience and launch head, and limbs, first into their set-opener, self-titled number, 'Enter Shikari' The crowd, of course, go bat-shit crazy. After the obligatory introductions and the customary gay jokes about playing in Brighton, the band continue their assault on the fervent crowd with 'The Feast' and 'Return to Energiser'
'Anything can happen in the next half hour' and poppy-dance tune 'Labyrinth' are gulped down by a rave-thirsty audience whereas next song 'Acid Nation' fails to strike up as much excitement as previous numbers.
Ironically, the band's on stage visuals have only served to let the set down. The lasers have been scrapped in favour of a projection screen complete with visuals befitting each song. Granted, there are some comedy moments (provided by a handheld, onstage camera) but the whole effect just seems a bit tacky, cheap and simple, not befitting of a band with such complex and high-powered music.
'Adieu' serves as the acoustic, lighter-waving bit but an awkward moment arises when latest single 'Johnny Sniper' is introduced by the band announcing that they have special 'Johnny Sniper' condoms available. Worrying, when considered at least a third of the audience is probably too young to legally procreate. The uncomfortable moments continue with 'Keep It On Ice' which is accompanied by cliché self harming images, bringing the mood down.
The band attempt to lift everyone back up with a cover of Faithless' Insomnia but unfortunately the crowd are a little young to recognise the once inescapable dance anthem. Never mind because live favourite 'Mothership' serves to get the circle pits going and sees 'every raver on their worst behaviour'.
Signature tune 'Sorry You're Not A Winner' is preceded by a storming hip hop beat which truly raises the roof, before fading into the more traditional ambient techo intro. This song is why Enter Shikari are such a popular live band. It combines the bands best elements, powerful riffs, intense vocals, sing-along harmonies and crowd participation, all thrown in a bowl and blended with the RaveBlend5000 (other rave mixers are available) The band dive into final number 'OK Time For Plan B' after saying their goodbyes. A chaotic end to an inconsistent but nonetheless energetic and sensory bashing performance from the St Albans boys.
SETLIST:
Intro
Enter Shikari
The Feast
Return To Energiser
Anything Can Happen In The Next Half-Hour
So You've Come This Far (Labyrinth Intro)
Labyrinth
Acid Nation
Adieu
No Sssweat
Kicking Back On The Surface Of Your Cheek
Johnny Sniper
Keep It On Ice
Insomnia (Faithless cover)
Mothership
Sorry You're Not A Winner
OK Time For Plan B
Outro