The band is named after a boat belonging to Roughton "Rou" Reynolds' uncle, and a character in a play which he wrote before forming the band, both of which are named Shikari. Despite being offered several major label record deals, their debut album Take to the Skies was released on their own label - Ambush Reality - in March 2007, reaching the dizzy heights of #4 in the UK's official Album Charts and going on to sell over 100,000 copies in the UK (the album was released in Europe through PIAS, in North America on Ambush Reality / Tiny Evil, and in Japan on Hostess).
In March 2008, after spending 12 months on the road across the globe, Enter Shikari set up camp in their rehearsal room (a large shed in Chris Batten's back garden which they christened "The 'Low") to begin writing tracks for their second album such as Antwerpen which was released as a free digital-download from the band's website.
In July they played to their largest live audience at the UK date of Linkin Park's 'Project Revolution' travelling festival alongside JayZ, Pendulum and N*E*R*D, as well as playing several shows with Linkin Park in mainland Europe.
Enter Shikari followed a UK / Ireland tour in October 2008 with the release of a one-off single 'We Can Breathe In Space, They Just Don't Want Us To Escape' (a finished version of a track the band demoed in 2005 but never got around to ever finishing properly until the summer 2008).
In mid-November 2008 the band started work recording their second album in Arreton Manor on the Isle of Wight with producer Andy Gray. Here they demoed, produced and mixed new tracks for the band's second album titled Common Dreads which was released June 15th 2009 on CD, Vinyl and digital download. The first track to be heard by the public was Juggernauts aired on 15th April 2009 as Zane Lowe's "Hottest Track in the World" on BBC Radio 1. Juggernauts was released on the 1st June 2009 reaching #26 in the UK Official Single Charts and was aired regularly by Radio 1.
Following the release of Common Dreads via Ambush Reality on the 15th June 2009, the album reached #16 on the UK Top 40 Official Album Chart and was highly-rated by magazines such as Kerrang!, Rocksound and Metal Hammer. No Sleep Tonight was also released as a single on August 17th 2009 with a large number of remixes following it from artists such as ROUT, Mistabishi, The Qemists and LightsGoBlue.
The band recently visited the US, Germany and the Czech Republic on a mini-tour and have another UK tour scheduled for October 2009 supported by The Devil Wears Prada and also a number of dates with The Prodigy in November.
After their late 2009 UK tour, Enter Shikari toured throughout the US on the extensive summer of 2010 Vans Warped Tour. November 2010 saw Enter Shikari touring with 30 Seconds to Mars.
Enter Shikari's third album titled A Flash Flood Of Colour was recorded at Karma Bay Studios in Bangkok, Thailand and was produced by Dan Weller (former-SikTh guitarist). The album was released on the 16th January 2012 in the UK and worldwide. The first single from the LP was "Sssnakepit". It was released on September 20, 2011 as a digital download. According to the Sssnakepit Songfacts, "Quelle Surprise," which was made available in May 2011, was originally intended to be the first official release from the set, but the band ultimately decided to not include it on the album in the end, although did include it on the Deluxe Version. The second single, "Ghandi Mate, Ghandi" was released as a digital download on iTunes in December, followed by a video of single 'Arguing with Thermometers' posted on YouTube a few days before the release of the album.
Enter Shikari is:
Roughton 'Rou' Reynolds - vocals, electronics
Liam 'Rory' Clewlow - guitar, vocals
Chris Batten - bass, vocals
Rob Rolfe - drums
Zzzonked
Enter Shikari Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I think I'm gonna give my eyes up for lent
I'll use my sockets to stock stones instead
And with an icy cold stare, I'll hide bones in your bed
Mate, please accept this invitation, so I can take you away
'Cause there's a one in forty thousand chance
That asteroid Apophis will collide
Roll up for the knees up business
Instead of staring at your Stella desperately for inspiration
Belt up and quiver at your indignation
I ain't saying anything that could be construed as an apology
There's another case study for anthropology
I know, let's announce embargos and denounce our far foes
Ingrowing egos a syntax he knows
It's just distance that separates us
Or are we really all ethnocentric-ally inclined?
Mate, what the fuck are you on about?
This is a draconian law, I protest, I protest
The herd is rowdy, the squad is vexed
The herd is rowdy, the squad is vexed
Squad Up!
The opening lines of Enter Shikari's "Zzzonked" convey a feeling of extreme exhaustion, with the singer suggesting they may even give their eyes up for Lent in order to rest. They go on to express their desire to get away and invite someone else to join them. This desire may be tied to an impending catastrophic event, as they mention a low but real probability of an asteroid colliding with Earth in the near future. The song's middle section features rapid-fire lyrics and political commentary, with the singer suggesting the need to challenge draconian laws and imperialistic attitudes.
Overall, "Zzzonked" is a song that blends personal and political themes, with the exhaustion and desire for escape serving as a kind of metaphor for larger societal issues. The asteroid threat may symbolize the sense of impending doom that many people feel in the face of various global crises, from climate change to political instability. The song's chorus and title suggest a kind of manic energy or frenzy, as if the singer is trying to evade or combat these larger forces through their own aggressive actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Mate, I'm zonked absolutely spent
I am extremely exhausted and drained
I think I'm gonna give my eyes up for lent
I am so tired that I may give up my eyesight for the duration of lent
I'll use my sockets to stock stones instead
Since I won't be needing my eyes for a while; I will use them to store stones
And with an icy cold stare, I'll hide bones in your bed
I will give you a distrusting and threatening look as I will hide bones in your bed
Mate, please accept this invitation, so I can take you away
Please adhere to my request so that I can remove you from this current state or situation
'Cause there's a one in forty thousand chance
I have a mild probability to mitigate risk and uncertainty
That asteroid Apophis will collide
The asteroid Apophis has the possibility to come into contact with
With the earth in less than twenty years, oh my god
Within the next two decades, the earth may be in harm's way, it's unbelievable!
Roll up for the knees up business
Prepare yourself for the exciting and wild adventures ahead
Instead of staring at your Stella desperately for inspiration
Rather than aimlessly look at your drink, search for stimulation elsewhere
Belt up and quiver at your indignation
Be quiet and tremble in your anger
I ain't saying anything that could be construed as an apology
I refuse to apologize or take blame for this matter
There's another case study for anthropology
This matter can also be analyzed in the scientific field of anthropology, as it deals with human society and behavior
I know, let's announce embargos and denounce our far foes
Here's an idea, let's declare embargos and publicly condemn our distant enemies
Ingrowing egos a syntax he knows
Individuals with overbearing egos are very familiar with this concept and language
It's just distance that separates us
We're only separated by mere physical distance
Or are we really all ethnocentric-ally inclined?
Or is it possible that we are all naturally viewing everything from a biased, cultural standpoint?
Mate, what the fuck are you on about?
What are you talking about? I don't understand the point you're trying to convey
This is a draconian law, I protest, I protest
This law is extremely oppressive and severe, and I strongly object and voice my disapproval
The herd is rowdy, the squad is vexed
The group is becoming increasingly unmanageable and irritable
Squad Up!
It's time to unite and come together as a team!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRIS BATTEN, LIAM RORY CLEWLOW, ROBERT ROLFE, ROUGHTON REYNOLDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bendy
The most underrated Enter Shikari song, this is the biggest banger they ever wrote
Matthew Cotton
Would even call it under rated. Always always goes down well with the crowds every time I've seen them. Such a banger.
dreamsofmachines
10 years ago and still possibly the best gig I’ve ever attended, what a fucking night, went home with a broken elbow in the boot of a car hahah.
Atley Meow
This band was so far ahead of their time, I remember when their videos on here had way less views, now everyone is listening its great =]!
Da Steelerz
I don't feel like there are many songs which encapsulate madness as this gem.
Red Rob
I was at this show. Norwich UEA. Amazing.
Adam Snee
@yuyi rv yo, a year later you should check out black midi if you haven’t yet, particularly John L. Maddest song I’ve heard in a while
Girastinka Origin Poome
2:08 that drop tho...
Girastinka Origin Poome
The whole album is madness
Elijah Krewson
@Huffypuff you t