/The Prodigy: Invaders Must Die

The Prodigy: Invaders Must Die

 It’s been far too long since we heard anything from Prodigy. With the occasional live performance, and a remix here and there, fans of the dance/punk/electro trio have been lacking their daily dose of Prodigy. With the singles collection released in 2005, with a few great remixes and a solid collection of the band’s works, the fans of Prodigy have had their appetiser and were waiting for their main course – I’m proud to announce that this powerhouse of noise is finally back with a record that really packs a punch.

The record opens with the raw title track Invaders Must Die. The song slowly introduces itself with that usual wah-electronic pedal sound that we’re so accustomed to hearing from The Prodigy. The fast paced, yet steady beat accompanies the melodic ostinato that you hear throughout the piece which slowly builds throughout re-introducing itself to the ears of fans to the band.

The album takes a stance in the dystopian future that has been perpetuated consistently through many industrial bands of late, most noticeably of all being Trent Reznor’s Year Zero album.

The coverwork and the titles of each song announces itself as a loud and thoroughly noisy approach to the theme, which works perfectly with each song you experience. It’s easy to say that each track moves effortlessly to the next, blending and moving your story and listening experience further down the track.

In Omen, we’re reunited with the lyrical stylings of Keith, who puts his original stamp on the song with his harsh punk sounding timbre. The high and low points of the song contrast and yet blend so perfectly to give defining moments to the music, which not only encourage dancing, but encourage the point of view being placed across to the listener.

In Thunder we’re introduced to a more typical dance beat which builds in a steady crescendo to an almost rock-steady beat that is so easy to dance to, you might notice yourself dancing without the conscious thought to do so.

Just a warning: Don’t listen to this album through a media player, in a public avenue. You may just make a fool out of yourself trying to stop the dancing.

Colours was a standout track on the album for me. Another protest sounding song, it resonantes throughout the album as the vocal stylings, with the harsh beat contrasting with the synth ostinato all combine to make the song thoroughly enjoyable.

This is another great track to dance to, as well as get pumped too. If you need to get some confidence and energy going, then give this track a go.

Stand Up was a stand out track again for me on this album. In complete contrast to the wall of sound you’ve just experienced, the music comes together as a remix of a simple horn section. Perhaps as the concluding song of the album, it feels as though it’s ushering in the end of the show that you’ve just encountered.

I would certainly encourage fans of the Prodigy to purchase this album, as well as those who have never been fully convinced of their talents. While some might claim that punk/electronica is a genre of a dying breed, the Prodigy definitely breathes fresh air into its lungs and revives it just for that little bit longer.

 

Standout Tracks: Stand Up, Thunder, Colours, Take Me To the Hospital

 

Rating: 4/5 stars