Enter Shikari - Live From Planet Earth (Album) Fizzy Water & Spikey Blankets (DVD) (Review)
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Written by Catherine Rea
For a band that created such a big impact when entering the music scene with their electronic hardcore sounds and visual shows of 2003, is Enter Shikari’s live album too much of an ambitious move? Though Shikari fans have always been loyal, even when the dynamic band was experimenting with different sounds in a never-ending battle with the music industry and an obsession with gaining further popularity, does this new album stand out as good as their previous work?
‘Live From Planet Earth’ proves that Enter Shikari can achieve a unparalleled and energetic show even without their implausible strobe lights and on-stage gimmicks. This third volume in the band’s ongoing ‘Bootleg Series’ of releases – though all footage is filmed professionally and captures some unseen moments. The levels of the CD/DVD are cleverly mixed enough to keep the energy of the gig alive, but the crowd noise to a minimum, just enough to be noticed.
The bumper release includes a CD featuring audio from 'Live At Hatfield, Christmas 2010' and a DVD of the same event. Also included will be a second DVD including their 'Fizzy Water & Spikey Blankets (A Weekend In Russia. May 2010)', 'Live At Hammersmith. February 2010' and 'Live At Summersonic, Tokyo. August 2009' footage.
These 2 DVDs and CD makes an interesting number for Enter Shikari fans – being able to see footage from shows that you weren’t able to make it to and shows that you did otherwise attend. The gigs range from the more intimate ones of Camden in September 2010 to bodies tearing up the pits in Tokyo in 2009 - this small package shows Shikari in all their metal glory, though in what can be both a criticism and compliment in a live album, the vocals do lack quality compared to their studio recordings, however, this naturally live music is an exciting experience to relive and rehear.
The set list combines the best of old and new from Shikari, showing their new dubstep introduction for ‘Mothership’ which gives the song a fresh new feel and helps their classics to still remain exciting.
The behind the scenes extra ‘Fizzy Water & Spikey Blankets’ is one of the funniest auditions to any music DVD I’ve ever seen, which cleverly portrays exactly what this experimental DVD/CD montage is all about which is fun.
The set comes to its end with old favourite and popular ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’ completed with its new introduction, although this is very short compared to its older one. This album is cleverly mixed with the crowd noise adding to the atmosphere and energy of the already existing tracks. ‘Live From Planet Earth’ is an outstanding mix of a live show on CD, and shows just how strong Enter Shikari still are – they are definitely a force to be reckoned with!
With this CD/DVD extraordinaire, its evident that the guys of Enter Shikari know how to have some serious fun without any rock star mood swings or temper tantrums! Shikari shows their fans just how strong their friendship is and how fan-loyal they are in this cleverly put together mix of music. The only criticism I could make on this live album is that the vocals do lack some quality compared to studio releases – though with all that jumping around on stage this is not only expected but made up for in their dramatic on stage set ups.
Overall I think that its safe to say that Enter Shikari haven’t let us down yet and are still one of few bands that are still a force to be reckoned with! With more tour dates coming up soon I think you’d be an absolute fool to miss a live performance from these guys!
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
The set list combines the best of old and new from Shikari, showing their new dubstep introduction for ‘Mothership’ which gives the song a fresh new feel and helps their classics to still remain exciting.
