Enter Shikari were a big thing back around 2006-07. Hadn’t known anything about the band until the video for “Sorry, You’re Not a Winner” was played constantly, and it was clear that even then the group had already gained a few dedicated fans who loved the band enough to join them in a cramped, sweat-filled room and mosh along with the track. The band then released the singles “Anything Can Happen…” and “Jonny Sniper” both of which I enjoyed. So I thought why not just buy the album when it comes out?

Eventually I received “Take to the Skies” as a birthday present; I was very happy to get it. Listening to it, I thought there was a storyline to it. The cover art with the alien and human fighting over the earth set that off, really. If it was to be a concept album, “Enter Shikari” is where it all begins with the aliens invading. Do I sound crazy for suggesting this? Sounds pretty plausible to me.

I mean, the way the song starts with the word “SHIT” yelled twice and sounds of people screaming, threats like “Your life’s about to flash before your eyes…..” Something crazy is happening, and the band add great dramatic effect with Rou’s ever-adapting vocals – singing one second before executing guttural howls the next – and bassist Chris Batten’s vocals which sound quite angelic at times.

This song is hyper.