OK, rating a three track EP as a classic may seem overblown, but these three tracks are all amazing in their own right and Enter Shikari as a band have an fresh and original sound. This along with a spellbinding live show has made them one of the most exciting acts on the UK underground circuit. Although, now with two videos on MTV they're breaking into the mainstream and leaving the underground behind.
Sorry, You're Not A Winner, or 'that song with the clap bit' is currently one of the most popular songs out now as it's video is constantly riding high in MTV2 video charts. It is the track Shikari are known for, even before it's release it was a fan-favourite and was therefore an excellent choice for a single.
A short guitar riff, and three claps later and the song is in full swing with frontman Rou trading screams with bassist Chris, before making the transition flawlessly into the chorus which strangely enough is very catchy and anthemic. But this band are not all about the hardcore, after the second chorus we have a variation on the verse with synthesisers and softer vocals giving a trancey feel.
Next up is
OK Time For Plan B. A less accessible song as it's predecessor, despite the more prominent synth riffs. However, this takes nothing away from it. The song starts off more hardcore, with a harsh vocal call-to-arms of 'Let This Battle Commence!-One Last Time'. The pace then quickens into the chorus. Half-way through, we find ourselves in another trance section while the texture builds up. Now, a band that fuses techno and hardcore is bound to have it's weird and wonderful moments. And up next comes probably the weirdest. Everything drops out except for the group saying "Okay.....Time For Plan B', and the song goes back into a slower, but still heavy section until the end.
The third and last song is the more synth orientated on the EP. It has a good use of gang vocals in the chorus, alternating well between three voices and Rou shouting "Come, Join The Feast". You remember those weird and wonderful moments I mentioned earlier in the review? Well, there are plenty of them here, whether it's the weird voice rhyming " Roll up, roll up I am your host, the father, the son and the holy ghost", or the crescendo of "Oh's" leading into the outro. Said outro has the most impressive guitar parts on the EP and is a nice way to finish it off.
This Message Edited On 12.05.06
