The Spark (album) explained

The Spark
Type:studio
Artist:Enter Shikari
Cover:The_Spark_cover.jpg
Released:22 September 2017
Genre:
Length:40:36
Label:
Producer:David Kosten, Rou Reynolds
Prev Year:2015
Next Title:Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible
Next Year:2020

The Spark is the fifth studio album by English rock band Enter Shikari, released on 22 September 2017 through Ambush Reality and PIAS Recordings. It was recorded in Northamptonshire in early 2017.

Background and production

Following world events in 2016, including Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, leadman Rou Reynolds announced on Twitter that he had been suffering from general anxiety disorder. He declared his frustration and newfound inspiration to write what he intended to be the band's most important work.[5]

Recording for The Spark took place at Angelio Studios and Muttley Ranch in England with David Kosten and Reynolds acting as producers. Sessions were recorded by Kosten and Tim Morris. Additional recording was done by Reynolds at Radiate Studios with assistance from Luke Gibbs. Koston provided additional keyboards and programming to the tracks. In addition, Will Harvey and Augusta Harris contributed violin and cello, respectively. Koston mixed the album, which was mastered for CD and digital download by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering and for vinyl by Stuart Hawken at Metropolis.

Release

On 31 July 2017, the band released a music video for the first single "Live Outside". On 13 September 2017, the second single and the music video for "Rabble Rouser" was released.[6] The album was released on 22 September 2017 through Ambush Reality and PIAS Recordings.[7] In November and December 2017, the band will support the release of the album with an arena tour of the UK and mainland Europe.[8]

Critical reception

The Spark was met with positive reviews from critics. Metacritic gave the album an aggregated score of 74/100, indicating "generally favorable reviews", based on 10 reviews.

Francesca Gosling writing for The Irish Times gave The Spark a positive score of 8/10, summarising that "Those hoping for a return to the earlier sound may be disappointed, but Enter Shikari's unflinching desire to evolve with every release is something very exciting indeed."[9]

The Spark won the Best Album award at the 2018 Kerrang! Awards.

Track listing

All lyrics by Rou Reynolds. All music by Enter Shikari.

Personnel

Personnel per booklet.[10] Enter Shikari

Additional musicians

Production

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds wants to help you meditate on things. Alternative Press. 15 May 2020.
  2. Web site: The Spark - Enter Shikari | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic. AllMusic.
  3. Web site: The Spark - Enter Shikari | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic. AllMusic.
  4. Web site: The Spark - Enter Shikari | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic. AllMusic.
  5. Web site: Enter Shikari on Donald Trump, Brexit and using music to fight back. 15 November 2016. NME. 18 September 2017.
  6. Web site: Watch Enter Shikari's video for new track Rabble Rouser . Scott Munro . . 14 September 2017 . 22 September 2017.
  7. Web site: THE SPARK – Out 22nd September 2017. Enter Shikari. 18 September 2017.
  8. Web site: Enter Shikari will release their 5th studio album The Spark in September - watch virtual reality-themed video for new track Live Outside . Scott Munro . . 1 August 2017 . 22 September 2017 .
  9. Web site: Album Reviews: Fergie's Double Duchess a flawless fusion of hip hop and pop . Francesca Gosling . . 22 September 2017 . 22 September 2017.
  10. The Spark. . 2017 . Booklet . Ambush Reality/[PIAS] Play It Again Sam|id=PIASR990CDX.
  11. Web site: ARIA Chart Watch #440. auspOp. 30 September 2017. 30 September 2017.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "The Spark (album)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.