Search - Prodigy :: Invaders Must Die

Classic, Yet Innovative

Eric D | Michigan | 01/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"2009 graced us with Invaders Must Die, which is a classic-sounding Prodigy album with all original members returning. We do see some evolution however, as Prodigy are a band that constantly introduces new sounds and styles to their mix. The title track is amazing and catchy, but "Take Me To The Hospital" stands out, as it manages to blend Liam Howlett's signature break beat sound with the fiery vocals of Keith Flint better than 1997's overrated single "Firestarter".



"Colours" pummels the listener with a fast, inventive, and enticing beat, backed by a buzzing synth bass and topped off with a catchy 8-bit-sounding keyboard crescendo melody that makes this the album's best track.



"Run With The Wolves", a vocal-heavy track, features the group's new-found

love for more distorted synth sounds and the signature Prodigy pounding beat, avoiding the standard four on the floor that every other electronic artist embraces in nearly every song. The group also manages to avoid falling in the trap many of their peers do that involves repetitive dance songs free from any musical progression (besides getting louder and faster).



The only song that really lacks anything special would have to be "Stand Up", a completely instrumental closing track that sounds more like a high school marching band than Prodigy. It does feature some synth, but only for a few seconds at a time. Other than that, the album displays the group's power, creativity, and progression.



Musically, the beats are more calculated, but not overly complex to the point where you can't follow them. The synth melodies follow this pattern as well ("World's On Fire") and both of these points illustrate Howlett's patience, skill, and passion as the primary composer.



Invaders Must Die is easily the best electronic album of 2009 and definitely one of the ten best releases of 2009."

Ebizdynamix.com reviews Invaders must die - The prodigy

Theodore Odeluga | 03/13/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There's no doubt the Prodigy personify the ultimate fusion of rock and dance music.



Ever since "The fat of the land" no one else managed as well as them to capture the excitement and immediacy inherent in both genres. "Invaders must die" recalls elements of the Prodigy's great past with its constant refrain in the title track and a build up of tension like a call to arms, reminding us how exciting an act they are (especially as a live prospect).



"Omen" sounds like another blast from the past. "Colours" is like the silly sample from a fruit machine that no one should have thought of but "Take me to the hospital" soon gets things back on track with its combination of high energy, aggression and dread. "Thunder" has the impact of the noise it describes and "Warrior's dance" - again recalls their 90's past. "Run with the wolves" - more of the same really...but still fun.



With "Omen reprise" simply being a filler, one might be tempted to conclude the Prodigy have run out of ideas and are simply regurgitating old formulae. But something always niggles at the back of your mind saying they've yet to fulfil their potential and will any moment spring a surprise on you.



Unfortunately that surprise doesn't happen here but there's enough to suggest greater things are possible.



"Worlds on fire" is probably one of the most effective but simply expressed messages of urgency about the state of the world I've heard in a long time with its minimal use of words accompanied by a bristling bassline and "Piranha" is the soundtrack to a nightmarish 50's B-movie on acid. "Stand up" holds no surprises but at least keeps things moving.



Having actually bought everything this lot have produced since their 1992 debut and "The fat of the land", I wouldn't say this was their best piece of work - just a routine and solid offering dutifully delivered to their continuously sizeable fan base.



I hope in future the Prodigy can do something more complex. They've got the formula for inspiring energy in a crowd patented and locked down but the transition between `good' and `great' will take much more than what they've delivered here. Let's hope it happens soon while they're still young enough to leap about the stage and electrify the dance floor which this record is ideal for and manages quite efficiently.

"