It seems that surprise releases are becoming the norm these days. First, the doom metal institution Spirit Adrift launched a new album without any prior announcement, and now it is the UK-based rock band Enter Shikari, with a new album that nobody saw coming.
In an age of digital media, where news and rumors spread quickly, it’s astonishing that an album can be released without any information leaking. This approach obviously works, and it’s great because it creates an element of surprise and makes release schedules unpredictable. Let’s see if more bands will follow this approach. In the meantime, we can listen to “Lose Your Self”.
“Lose Your Self” follows “A Kiss for the Whole World”, which was unveiled in 2023. On their latest studio effort, the St. Albans band presents twelve new songs and continues their journey through post-hardcore and trancecore.
The title track bursts out of the speakers, reflecting the Enter Shikari signature sound. There is an intro-like entry point with spoken words and electronica. This song could be the perfect opener for upcoming live shows, as it also features a great melodic approach and a pulsating rhythm.
Next on the list is “Find Out the Hard Way”, a rather melodic song with some harsh moments. Rou Reynolds’s rough shouts contrast with the catchy clean vocals. “demons” expands the musical range of “Lose Your Self”. It is the most soulful and calming song on the album, with meaningful lyrics. Deal with your demons instead of being in denial.
‘The Flick of a Switch I:’ is a thumping song built on samples and electronica, but the band’s roots are still evident. Part two of ‘The Flick of the Switch’ appears later in the album and acts as an interlude, picking up the theme from part one. ‘The Flick of a Switch II:’ blends the two parts, opening calmly and introspectively before Enter Shikari shift gears with a roaring riff.
“it’s OK” is a smoothly grooving track with clean vocals and a strong melody. Despite its catchiness, there is a gloomy vibe throughout, as the song addresses egoism, ignorance, and the downside of capitalism. With “Spaceship Earth” the band brought a trilogy to close the album. While the first part is more upbeat, the second part gets darker as the joyride reveals the downside of unlimited consumption. In the cinematic final chapter, there is also a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The future is in our hands.
Enter Shikari have delivered a stunning album that nobody expected until its release. It showcases the core of the band’s signature sound. The songs are diverse and versatile, with meaningful lyrics that showcase the band’s musical richness and impressiveness. Well done, and keep surprising us!
Tracklist:
- LOSE YOUR SELF
- Find out The Hard Way
- Dead In The Water
- demons
- The Flick Of A Switch I.
- I can’t keep my hands clean
- it’s OK
- The Flick Of A Switch II.
- Shipwrecked!
- Spaceship Earth (I. Avec Abandon)
- Spaceship Earth (II. Angoscioso)Spaceship Earth (III. Maestoso
Label: SO Recordings
Genre: Post Hardcore / Alternative Rock
Release Date EU: April 10th, 2026
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