Having released their first album, ‘Take to the Skies’, back in 2007, it’s fair to say that Enter Shikari have had their fair share of experience in the realm of music that is the rock genre. Putting their own electronic spin on heavier music, the band have built a huge amount of support, with over 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Leaving a wait of three years since their last album, fans are desperate to hear what Enter Shikari have created, and from the sound of the three pre-released singles, ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’ is going to be intense.

‘A Kiss for the Whole World x’, the title track, takes me aback when it starts with almost national-anthem sounding music – even the harsher hits in the background don’t distract from the unlikely beginning. However, this only lasts for a short ten seconds before all carnage breaks loose, with a storm of guitar building up to the typical Enter Shikari that is loved by many. Intermittent inclusions of the opening composition makes for an incredibly unique track, especially when paired with the vocals of Rou Reynolds.

Tracks two and three – ‘(pls) set me on fire’ and ‘It Hurts’ – both pre-released singles, deliver a taste of Enter Shikari’s signature electronic feel, while presenting more of the new sound relayed throughout ‘A Kiss For The Whole World’. The aggression of these songs almost feels personal to the band, perhaps stemming from their rage of not being able to produce music during the pandemic. “I just didn’t realise that the human and physical connection to other people were the central fuels for how I write,” says Rou Reynolds, reflecting on the relief that playing Download Pilot, a music festival in Donnington Park, gave the band after so long of not doing what they love the most.

‘Dead Wood’, easily one of my favourite tracks from the album, experiments with many different genres. Orchestral music opens the song, suddenly transforming into an edgy symphony, then electronic, and finishing on an unreal combined arrangement. At no point through this track could you find something to dislike. Every second strikes excitement in the most immense way possible.

‘Jailbreak’ follows after, taking a much heavier, upbeat approach. “I won’t be held captive by my own idea of who I am,” provides a comforting, personal feel, prominently displayed with little music to disrupt its positivity. It’s becoming clear that the band really found themselves during the creation of this album, just making it all the more special.

The third of the released singles, ‘Bloodshot’, is one of the most electronic-based on the album, yet Enter Shikari manage to achieve a very distinct version of the genre. Creating something that is rarely perfected within the music industry, the British-born band have found the faultless combination of rock and electronic music. Supported by an instrumental track, ‘Bloodshot (Coda)’, the group create a trend of follow-on accompaniments, as seen with ‘feed yøur søul’ for ‘Leap into the Lightning’, and later in the album with ‘giant pacific octopus swirling off into infinity…’ for ‘Giant Pacific Octopus (i don’t know you anymore)’. Although the followers adopt the same atmosphere as their previous tracks, they’re beautiful as individuals, each delivering a sensational feeling.

‘goldfish’ and ‘Giant Pacific Octopus (i don’t know you anymore)’ see the end of the album. “I’m a chameleon,” wasn’t exactly what I expected to hear in a song titled ‘Giant Pacific Octopus’, but I also wasn’t expecting it to turn into one of the most energetic songs I’ve heard. This band just does not fault anything they try. Tracks ten and eleven radiate freedom and excitement, giving the best ending to their best album.

‘A Kiss For The Whole World’ is undeniable proof that Enter Shikari put everything they have into their music. Each track has something so extremely special to give to the world, forming the masterpiece that is this album. With an unwanted break from creating music since their last album, the band has come back in full force. Enter Shikari cannot be stopped, and they’re only getting better.

Enter Shikari – A Kiss For The Whole World: Out Now (SO Recordings / Ambush Reality)

Enter Shikari – (pls) set me on fire: Video