A Flash Flood Of Brilliance

What happens when a band combines punk rock, metalcore, hip-hop, drum and bass, and a volatile political voice? Usually, a complete mess. However, if you’re British quartet Enter Shikari, the result is something infinitely catchy and supremely enjoyable. Their third full-length, A Flash Flood Of Colour, showcases a band that isn’t afraid to take risks, and knows how to make them pay off in a big way.

Opening tracks “System…” and “…Meltdown” start the attack early, with vocalist Rou Reynolds rallying humanity to fight back against a broken system amid breakbeat drums and heavily warped guitars. “Sssnakepit” features heavy hardcore choruses interspersed with metal breakdowns and rapped interludes, while “Arguing With Thermometers” uses dance beats and death vocals to tell the story of militarization in order to capture the planet’s remaining oil. “Gandhi Mate, Gandhi” advocates thinking outside the box to instigate change, even anticipating the cries of “You’re a communist!” that are sure to follow. “Pack Of Thieves” blends serene keyboards with driving punk drums and a sing-along chorus to implore the world to stand up and band together as one, while “Hello Tyrannosaurus, Meet Tyrannicide” serves as a warning to those in control, through the power of Dillinger Escape Plan-style pointy mathcore. Finally, “Constellations” takes a minimalist guitar and bells approach, allowing Reynolds to urge us one last time to skip the train bound for disaster, instead walking the tracks that lead to sustainability.

Bands that blend so many genres together can end up alienating everyone, but Enter Shikari does just the opposite, reaching across all boundaries and offering something for all listeners. Fans of punk, metal, hip-hop, electronica, and political/protest music will find something here that they love, but no matter what your tastes, Enter Shikari can satisfy. If you have a pulse, you should own A Flash Flood Of Colour.