Common Dreads Review

Released: Jun 15, 2009
Genre: Post-Hardcore
Label: Ambush Reality, Tiny Evil
Number Of Tracks: 15
Common Dreads is Enter Shikari's second studio album. As an album, it's incredible. As mentioned before, theres a few key tracks that really make it so good.

Sound:	9.3
Lyrics:	8.3
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.9
Users rating:	8.3
Comments:	42

overall: 9.3

Featured review by: jeowy, on june 15, 2009

Sound: From the opening few seconds of the intro, you can tell "Common Dreads" is going to be a beast of an album. The opening synths are typical of Enter Shikari's electronic sound, and the use of spoken word promises something special from the get-go.

The first proper track, "Solidarity" opens with trancey synths and classic post-hardcore style guitaring; It's Enter Shikari in their rawest, basest form, as we've come to expect from "Take to the Skies"; but sudden breaks and elements of Dubstep hit you like a metric tonne of bricks in the face - by about 1:30 into the track, it's evident that this is really going to be something special.

To say the least, Enter Shikari deliver; massive tracks like "Wall", "The Jester", "Hectic", and "Fanfare for the Conscious Man" are the real meat and gravy of the album, but complemented by forays into the more technical side of electronica, like "Havoc A" and "Havoc B", show that the boys have certainly matured from the old Post-Hardcore + Trance formula.

On the electronic side, you can tell they've been out and about in the UK scene recently; Elements from both dubstep and dark jungle can be found on numerous tracks throughout the album. Of course, they've matured on the rock side as well; if you've previously swept this band to the side as just another "-core" act, then you're in for a massive surprise; in fact, theres arguably very little "-core" left on this album at all; the occasional chugga-chugga guitars, gang vocals, shouting, screaming, and spoken word are all thats left. Sometimes bordering on prog, and incredibly original, this is an album that show theres more to this band than we'd have first thought.

The Heaviest/Evillest track on the album is "Zzzonked"; it seems to alternate between a dark, junglist electronic sound and very heavy metalcore sections; even the aforementioned -core haters could find something to love about this album, in terms of sheer originality if not for stylistic drive.

One final point I'd like to make; do not judge the album on the singles "Antwerpen" and "Juggernauts" - as much as they're incredibly good tunes, they're gimicky at best when compared to the massive tracks that fill this album. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Ridiculous. Utterly Ridiculous. Spoken word sections commenting on how community has broken down, and we need to "Unite, Unite, Unite"; lyrics stolen from the previous album and placed over slightly modified motifs; constant altering between extreme optimism and extreme cynicism for society as a whole.

Brilliant, really. There's far fewer "sing-along moments" on this album, and in terms of vocal styles, theres a hell of a lot of spoken word and shouting, but it works. If you approach the lyrics from an intellectual perspective, its easy to pick holes, but the message is there, and it's a strong one. // 8

Impression: As an album, it's incredible. As mentioned before, theres a few key tracks that really make it so good, but the rest of the album bulking it out is far from "filler" - the songs that dont have you on the edge of your seat in excitement are filled with enough cheeky musical ideas and overall genious to keep a listener interested from start to finish.

The boys have really matured, and their sound is incredibly unique now. In terms of overall musical style, the only thing I can say is that there are elements of post-rock, prog, post-punk, post-hardcore, dubstep, electronica, and the classic trance/techno mix. Whether you hated or loved "Take to the Skies", I implore you to check this album out - it's worth your time. // 10

overall: 7.7

Reviewed by: JBoy343, on july 08, 2009

Sound: Shikari are back! And this time they’ve got a message to put out. Having the songs written around a half a mile from me (Shikari are from my home town) I’ve followed this album as its progressed, and I have mixed feelings about its result. Clearly, what has been such a basis for Shikari’s success was its cross-genre, hybrid mix of Club/Trance with Heavy Rock. Apart from a couple of tunes sadly, I feel this vibe has been a lost a little, as Shikari sell themselves out to the currently more popular form of Dubstep.

However, the St. Albans Mob pull off this mix well. The album blasts straight into Solidarity, which for me, is the standout track of the album by far. The song has it all, trance riffs, heavy breakdowns, a dubstep pattern and a choir chorus to finish off the tune.

The only thing that will frustrate a lot of fans, and this has been well documented, is that Shikari do not deny this to be a highly political album. Shikari are known for their energetic, fun and care-free live shows where they border on complete insanity, but this is an image lost for a more serious political message. This will inevitably lose them a lot of fans I feel. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Again, politics take a huge forefront in the lyrical make-up of Shikari’s new album (“We Must Unite”, “The idea of community, will be something displayed in a museum”). That being said, singing political lyrics over dubstep basslines is not something that’s been done before, and in the relevant tracks they pull it off very well. Rou’s voice will hardly inspire you to take up singing any time soon, but one of the big differences I’ve noticed on this album is the improvement of Bassist Chris Batten’s vocals. Chris plays a huge role live vocally, and its only fair that he has a larger inclusion in this album. Listen out for Batten in “Hectic” and 2nd Single “Juggernauts”. // 8

Impression: In such a difficult year for music, and such a difficult economic climate, I’m not entirely sure how well this risky piece of art will be received by fans. I respect Shikari for taking the risk but only time will tell successful it will become. Compared to albums of the last month, I would definitely prefer to listen to Taking Back Sunday’s “New Again” or The Blackou’s “The Best in Town”. Standout tracks have to be “Common Dreads (Intro) / Solidarity“, “Hectic“ and “Wall“, as well as singles “Juggernauts”, “Antwerpen” and “No Sleep Tonight”. The rest of the tracks aren’t really worth much of a listen I’m afraid. If the album were stolen I would not purchase it again. // 7

overall: 9.7

Reviewed by: slinkybeaver, on july 07, 2009

Sound: This album has been playing in a constant loop in my car since it came out and is not likely to stop anytime soon. It starts with the frightfully eerie title track that introduces us to a slightly darker Shikari. We are then thrown into 'Solidarity' which brings a more familiar trance sound with a sweet guitar riff underneath it. 'Step Up' does a similar thing and may lead one to believe that this album is actually going to be quite heavy, it isn't. From there on it tones down on the guitar riffs and the techno takes over, this is the new Shikari taking form. The synth has matured to a level where the guitars are almost unnecessary, merely backing up on this well developed programmed music. This is a good thing, it still sounds like them but a very progressed and improved version. The songs are well composed, well mixed and in general more developed than on TTTS. Prepare to hear 'No Sleep Tonight' on the radio, it is possibly my least favourite A) because it is for some reason really, really poppy and B) it has an oddly placed breakdown that doesn't fit the song at all. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are a point of interest for many who wish to criticise this album. Whilst they are very good they are different from TTTS and bring with it the signs of a changing Enter Shikari. No more songs about aliens and sci-fi, this is a propaganda project for the Brits. Every song centers around either Bush, Blair, the economy, global warming or the war on terror. This bothered me at first and I can understand how it can put people off, it is no longer the 'fun' Enter Shikari. The lyrics can be a downer if you want them to be but if you can look past this small annoyance you can see the good in them and enjoy the music for what it is. However songs like 'The Jester' can be quite hilarious to listen to. // 9

Impression: I love all the songs on this album but favourites are: 'Solidarity', 'Step Up', 'Wall', 'Zzzonked' and 'Hectic. If you LOOOOVVVEED TTTS then you, I think will love this too. There is more techno, and more spoken word, but less heavy-ness and less screaming. And still we will be here standing like statues. // 10

Comments

[darkl64]

First!
Haven't even heard about this one.

[tomahass]

I prefer the old Enter Shikari but this is still good.

[_InsanitY_]

downloading it now, am liking what i'm hearing. still, i much prefer the heavy riffs like old enter shikari, but s'all good.

[XtractionProces]

I don't know. I'm not too keen on what I've heard. It really sounds like they're trying to go radio.

[j-walk]

I imagine its hard to top skies but everyone tends to not like a follow up album at first.

[metallica_death]

Good review, well done Jeowy!

[TechnoJesus™]

When I first heard the new cd i described it as a nostalgic acid trip. This is an awesome album and maybe their best work yet.

[cameronlindsay]

I'm really not keen on it at the moment.
Prefer Take to the Skies.

Juggernauts, Solidarity and Antwerpen are good tracks.
To be honest I've not given the rest of it a chance.

TTTS sounds more heavier...

[Stitches.]

i love it,brilliant album. maybe as good as TTTS.

[Hammerzeit]

I didn't like it. Seemed lyrically terrible in places. Some of the tracks are terrible, namely the 2 singles. Might just be my taste but it sounds really messy with the synth over the top and the spoken vocals were shit. Otherwise it's not too bad. Do yourself a favour if you haven't and pick up their first album.

[tommo619]

Amazing album. Got the Bootleg CD with it too.

[Streety2]

yeah fair enough TTTS was heavier but when the album is that good i dont give a shit if its heavy!
i think they've changed for the better and this album is way better than TTTS, its more grown up and technical, as opposed to TTTS which was less mature and sounded more messy

[XxDre09xX]

meh i can't get into the techno metalcore for some reason...

[Paddy_s13]

I'm not sure yet. I'm finding some of the vocal parts sound way to much like The Streets (BLEH). Still has that funky techno sound.
Who knows I wasn't overly keen on TTTS when I first heard it, so all in good time.

[ProtestYourHero]

I hate the people that are comparing the spoken word parts to Mike Skinner. Just because they have the same accent everyone assumes Rou is trying be like him which isnt the case.
I think the album is excellent, it took me a few listens but now i love it. I think some songs are better than ones of TTTS.
The band has involved and are much more technical with their playing. From listening to the album, Rory is bringing in all sorts of influences from RATM to Sikth which i love!

[MurrayAberdeen]

i think rou is trying to sing too much and lets face it, he cant sing for shit really. its a bit poppy really.

[ulique]

terrible review, great album

[HibbyCal]

Great album. Very different, but in a good way. TTTS and Common Dreads are both amazing. Whole album varies, spoken word would sound stupid delivered any other way other than spoken.

[TheReverend724]

some parts were really awesome while some parts really sucked (spoken word...its awful)
synth parts are pretty cool
decent album but not as good as take to the skies

[micro_erased]

Insane album i think, i loved TTTS but i still think this album is better and the sound is a hell of alot more mature and solid

[cleft11]

TTTS and Common Dreads are two completely different album. you cannot get more radio friendly than Jonny Sniper. Common Dreads is edgier and more modern IMHO. The synth in Solidarity is epic, while The Wall is lighthearted and a bit of fun, and Fanfare For The Conscious Man is a great outro. Forget the political meaning behind it before anyone starts complaining - it is about the music on the CD not the meaning behind it.

[4 strings]

absolutely incredible album, saw them today at the album release in london. INSANE

[Bjorney]

album goes to shit about 1 minute and 15 seconds into solidarity

[coquet]

I only clicked on this because I thought it would be about Shakira.

[garager]

coquet wrote:

I only clicked on this because I thought it would be about Shakira.

i hope to god youre joking.
Ive heard a few songs, Juggernauts, Antwerpen, Wall etc. I love them. Equally as good as old tracks

[Jackolas]

Find it funny people slate them for sounding cockney, more like mockney, not even from London..

[Fly-swatter]

_InsanitY_ wrote:

downloading it now, am liking what i'm hearing. still, i much prefer the heavy riffs like old enter shikari, but s'all good.

listen to solidarity. its f**king brutal.

[Hopdelker]

All the kids who screamed along to TTTS are naturally going to be shocked by this, but if you try not and be afraid of change, it's got some gorgeous music.

[Brocky124]

A good album, but it doesn't sounds as brilliant as take it to the skies. but still it is a great album from enter shikari

[HurricaneSG]

its good but what i dont like is that there is less guitar, no riffs..

[Jammey90]

If we're honest, this album isn't going to do well on a website called 'Ultimate-guitar.com' because they've stripped away a lot of the guitars in favour of synths. If you have an open(ish) mind to music, you'll like this album.

[piggyboy]

At first Common Dreads sounds a lot more radio friendly, but when you actually look into it, its more aggressive than TTTS. Sure the guitars have been stripped down and the metalcore screaming is gone, but Rou sounds geuinely angry throughout - and it shows. Even 'Juggernauts' is chaotic in a way in a way that even more mainstream listeners enjoy it - something which is very hard to do. In my opinion, I prefer this to TTTS.

[patch17]

I love some of this album, mainly stuff like Juggernauts thats not too heavy on the screamo side of things

[BlinkMe-Rancid]

Taken all the goods things from TTTS and made an awesome album

[B Tomo]

love it just as much as ttts, hectic is awesome!

[prt1990]

XxDre09xX wrote:

meh i can't get into the techno metalcore for some reason...

Self-explanatory?

[jonathanonfire]

its a big step in the right direction. alienating the scenies that made them popular on TTTS. very original. listen to more than just juggernauts- which i feel is the weakest track on the album.

[drummerbus]

THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM EVER!!!!!
Zzzonked is the best song ever, enter shikari are extremely talented, i cant believe they lost fans, im a bigger fan after this album, they knocked slipknot off my favourite bands seat with this blinder!
p.s. THE LIONS ARE AT THE DOOR

[punkforlife93]

This is honestly really good. I disliked it at first, but as an album as a whole, it's much better.

[SumFX]

There Are Some Good Reviews On Here.
I got this album 1 week before it was released due to pre-ordering, the DVD kinda sucks, however very good album! Both Albums Are Good in different ways, they seem to have gotten more experimental on this album.
Good To See Them Get Rid Of The Scene Kid Background, not many of them like ES now cuz they don't scream as much on this album. Lose Douchebag Fans, Gain Respectable Ones! Woo Hoo!

[nirvanafan11111]

AND NOW THE FLOODGATES WILL OPEN... Just about sums it up for me! This is a spectacular follow up to Take to the Skies! A mature advance on the sound of their first album! One whinge though not a major fan of the spoken word vox!

[jakrooster]

I'm glad i've found people on here who share my view that TTTs was a better album mainly 'cos of the heavier metal elements. I do like the Jester though...