British band Enter Shikari may be known for their pioneering mind-sweep mix of electronica and metalcore, but according to frontman Rou Reynolds, Radiohead had 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, and the reception he thinks it would receive if it were released today.
Radiohead
Kid A
Kid A
- by Rou 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 decided to 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 19 September – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Tuesday 20 September – The Triffid, Brisbane
Wednesday 21 September – The Metro, Sydney
Thursday 22 September – The Gov, Adelaide
Saturday 24 September – Metropolis, Perth
Tuesday 20 September – The Triffid, Brisbane
Wednesday 21 September – The Metro, Sydney
Thursday 22 September – The Gov, Adelaide
Saturday 24 September – Metropolis, Perth
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
For complete tour and ticketing information, visit:
www.entershikari.com & www.livenation.com.au
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