Features September 19, 2016

This Record Changed My Life: Enter Shikari

British band Enter Shikari may be known for their pioneering mind-sweep mix of electronica and metalcore, but according to frontmanRou Reynolds,Radioheadhad more influence than some might think.

Currently in Australia on the band’s biggest headline tour of their decade-long career,Reynolds details how he came across Kid A at age 13, why it’s so fearless, andthe reception he thinks it would receive if it were released today.

Radiohead
Kid A

– byRou Reynolds

I knew little of Radiohead back as a 13-year-old into punk rock back in 2000. But when Kid A was released I remember my cousin made a copy for me on tape and it immediately blew me away. I decidedto bury myself in Radiohead’s back catalogue and they quickly became one of my favourite bands and still are to this day.

What I love most about Kid A is its absolute fearlessness. It was a completely unexpected sharp left turn into the field of electronica from what had really been a standard rock band in terms of instrumentation. It still had a focus on melody and had classic pop and rock sensibilities but it was so experimental.

Radiohead became a huge influence on me as a songwriter and a producer. Looking back now, I love how they didn’t opt for producing an album of vogue sounds, mimicking pop’s then current musical trends. It’s such a varied album, with songs that evoke a spectrum of emotions, and even contains beats that make you want to play it on the dance floor… Radiohead, on a dance floor! Whatever next!

A lot of the beauty is in the simplicity of the beats, chord sequences (however foreign to pop), repeated melodies and song structures. This album could come out tomorrow and still be as seminal.

ENTER SHIKARI TOUR DATES

With special guests
HACKTIVST
STORIES

Monday 19September– 170 Russell, Melbourne
Tuesday20September– The Triffid, Brisbane
Wednesday21September– The Metro, Sydney
Thursday 22September– The Gov, Adelaide
Saturday 24September– Metropolis, Perth

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

For complete tour and ticketing information, visit:
www.entershikari.com & www.livenation.com.au