Enter Shikari - Live at the 02 Academy Birmingham (1/2/19) Review

Enter Shikari are a band who know how to make an entrance, kicking off proceedings with the 'The Sights', a jaunty upbeat song with flashes of progressive rock in the mix. Singer Rou Reynolds greeted the crowd in a typically Enter Shikari-ish fashion. "greetings carbon- based lifeforms, we are Enter Shikari". This show in Birmingham marked just over 2 years since their last Birmingham show. Since that last show they seem to have kept touring constantly and while they had toned down on the stage set up they made up with this with more energy. 

Tonight Enter Shikari decided to mark 10 years since the release of their second album  'Common Dreads'. Arguably the most important album of their career as they built on the template of post-hardcore and electronica and added the overtly political lyrics and sloganeering that they are known for now. Alongside airings of songs from that album Enter Shikari added some rarely heard fan favourites such as 'Hoodwinker' into the setlist. 

This show went to prove that Rou Reynolds is one of the best and most engaging frontmen in rock right now. With his magical ability to reappear in unexpected places in the room, seemingly in the blink of an eye. He appeared on top of the balcony on the left hand side with his guitar, delivering speeches and songs to the crowd. Rou also showed off his impressive singing range, challenging the audience to match his screams and yelps in a bit of a Freddie Mercury moment. Of course this wouldn't matter at all if it wasn't for the amazingly talented band behind him, whipping the crowd up in a frenzy with classics such as 'Mothership' and their own take on Faithless' iconic 'Insomnia'. The 'quickfire round' incited more frenzied crowd surges with a medley of classic tunes starting with 'Sorry you're not a Winner' and slowly raising the BPM by each song. 

now that it has been out in the world for roughly two years 'The Spark' is looking like it may be every bit as important to Enter Shikari as 'Common Dreads'. Rou let the crowd cool off for a bit with a rousing solo rendition of 'Take My Country Back'. With Brexit looming on the horizon few songs have captured the zeitgeist so perfectly. It's proven to be an anthem for those who have grown to hate the tribalism that has grown in our country and it's politics. Many bands preach diversity and unity yet few can bring people together like Enter Shikari, whose music crosses genres and social boundaries. 'The Spark' was inspired by Rou's battles with anxiety, and is such probably the most emotionally rewarding Enter Shikari album. This shows closing track 'Live Outside' is a particularity poignant yet upbeat song that confronts anxiety directly. It felt like the perfect note to end the show on, confronting fears about the present but also sounding hopeful for the future. In the 10 years since 'Common Dreads' Enter Shikari have grown into something special, vital and unique. 

9.2/10 

While I do regret not seeing Black Peaks I stand by my decision to not see Palaye Royale. That bunch of posers have no business supporting a band with as much credibility as Enter Shikari.