Artist: Enter Shikari Album: Take to the Skies

Year: 2007
Duration: 52:50

Take to the Skies: A Critical Review of Enter Shikari's Debut Album

Enter Shikari's debut album, Take to the Skies, marked the beginning of a new era in the post-hardcore genre. Released in 2007, this album quickly became a fan favorite, with its unique blend of electronic and rock elements. As someone who has been a fan of Enter Shikari for years, I decided to take a closer look at Take to the Skies and evaluate its impact on the music industry.

Enter Shikari was formed in 2003 in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. The band consists of members Rou Reynolds, Rory Clewlow, Chris Batten, and Rob Rolfe. Their genre is often described as a mix of post-hardcore, electronicore, and alternative rock. Take to the Skies was their first full-length studio album and the beginning of their journey to shaping the genre they are known for.

The album starts strong with Enter Shikari, an introductory track that almost feels like a call to arms for fans who are ready for an adventure. It's followed by Mothership, a high-energy song with an unforgettable chorus. However, the real standout tracks on the album are Sorry, You're Not a Winner and Jonny Sniper. Both songs showcase Reynolds' impressive vocal range and Clewlow's excellent guitar work.

What makes Take to the Skies stand out from other post-hardcore albums at the time is the seamless integration of electronic elements. Tracks like Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour and Return to Energiser are prime examples of this. The band's use of synthesizers and samples adds depth and dimension to their sound.

However, the most innovative part of Take to the Skies is its ability to integrate different genres seamlessly. One minute you're headbanging to a rock breakdown, and the next, you're dancing to a catchy electronic beat. Because of this, Enter Shikari has had a lasting impact on the genre, as more and more bands started experimenting with different genres and sounds.

Critically speaking, it's difficult to find faults with Take to the Skies. It's a strong debut album that showcases Enter Shikari's unique sound and talent. However, if there's one critique, it's that some of the songs can feel repetitive at times. The band's signature breakdowns tend to follow a similar formula throughout the album. Nevertheless, this is a small issue that does not take away from the overall quality of the album.

In the end, Take to the Skies is a timeless album that continues to resonate with fans over a decade later. Its impact on the post-hardcore and electronicore genres cannot be denied. As the first album from an innovative band like Enter Shikari, it's remarkable how polished and well-executed it is. I highly recommend this album for any fans of the genre or anyone looking for something fresh and exciting.

In the end, Take to the Skies is a timeless album that continues to resonate with fans over a decade later. Its impact on the post-hardcore and electronicore genres cannot be denied. As the first album from an innovative band like Enter Shikari, it's remarkable how polished and well-executed it is. I highly recommend this album for any fans of the genre or anyone looking for something fresh and exciting.