Enter Shikari- 'A Flash Flood of Colour' Album Review

Enter Shikari have been abusing music genre’s worthless boundaries since 2003, and in that time they have released two full length albums. Take to the Skies (2007) and Common Dreads (2009.) The much awaited third album, A Flash Flood of Colour was released on the 16^th January 2012. But does it live up to the hysteria that has preceded it?

Right away, it is clear that the St Albans 4 piece are determined to enhance their reputation as one of the UK’s most explosive and unpredictable bands, and with a quick overview of this album it is safe to say that they have succeeded, with songs ranging from furious dub-step breakdowns, to soaring chorus’s that wouldn’t be out of place on a festival main stage, with thousands of lighters waving in the air. 

 After an explosive first half of the album, featuring tracks ‘System’, ‘Meltdown’ ,Search Party’ and ‘Arguing with Thermometers’ which leaves the listener little time to rest, we are given a chance to catch our breaths during ‘Stalemate’ which is similar to ‘Adieu’ from 2007’s Take to the Skies. The track begins with soft acoustic guitars and percussion and gently builds up with a sweeping synth line, highlighting the bands anti war ethic with Rou singing the words ‘tomorrow’s wars will fuel generations of hate.’

 The album comes to an end with outro ‘Constellations’ which is essentially a song written  from Rou’s point of view about finding himself rushing to a train station, only to find that the train is delayed, leading him to contemplate his future, with train destinations representing his options in life. A calming piece which makes use of acoustic guitars and soft synth pads to build up into a stadium filling anthem that is bound to have fans of all ages singing along, with fists in the air.