2024 is shaping up to be the year of Enter Shikari. With an arena tour under their belts, the band smashing their Download appearance and more upcoming UK/US tour dates – it’s been pretty non-stop. But if that wasn’t enough, the band are releasing Dancing On The Frontline to accompany all of that.
While it technically may not be an album of new material, the ‘companion’ album is packed full of tracks that are sure to please any Shikari fan. The material consists of remixes, non-album singles with a range of guest features and some live recordings. Fans may know some or all of the tracks already, but it still feels right to have them all in one place.
Kicking the album off is two remix tracks through the bands ‘alter ego’ Shikari Sound System. For those not familiar, Shikari Sound System is Enter Shikari but electronic. Firing you straight into dance remixes of ‘Goldfish’ and ‘Bloodshot’ the tracks receive a new lease of life. The Shikari Sounds System mix of ‘Goldfish’ is already a live staple with lead singer Rou Reynolds saying “insanity ensued,” when the track is played.
The non-album singles are up next with each one featuring a guest. ‘The Void Stares Back’ featuring Wargasm is the weakest of the four singles, yet still has something to offer with its non-stop energy. ‘Bull’ features Cody Frost and really gives them the space to shine on the track. Showing how features should be done ‘Bull’ is a highlight and unsurprisingly already a fan favourite.
‘STRANGERS’ features AViVA and ‘Losing My Grip’ features Fever 333’s Jason Butler. Unlike the previous two tracks these lean more into Shikari’s heavier side rather than their electronic sound. While the electronic aspect isn’t completely lost, there are some huge riffs to get stuck into on these tracks.
Closing the album are live recordings taken from various BBC sessions. Five tracks from BBC Radio One Future Sounds and Radio One rock Show sessions offer a rawer perspective than their studio alternatives, all having that signature Shikari live sound.
While it may not be the most exciting release for anyone who isn’t a fan of Enter Shikari, it is a treat for anyone who is. Bringing together all the material that didn’t make it onto last years ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’, ‘Dancing On The Frontline’ feels like the perfect way to bookmark 2024 as Enter Shikari’s year.
