Who Are The Prodigy?
I’m a huge fan of bangin' club music. The Prodigy have drawn out their old school raver roots on their newest release, Invaders Must Die. I’m not going to tell you I felt a bit e-tarded listening to this record for the first time, but it was a pretty close second.
The Prodigy, along with other well known electronic musicians (namely The Chemical Brothers, The Crystal Method, and Fatboy Slim) helped to bring mainstream popularity to a style of electronica called Big Beat. They’ve also sold more than 16 million albums worldwide, eclipsing all others.
The Prodigy have made a name for themselves by blending Rock, Punk, Big Beat, Alternative Rock, Rave, and Hardcore music into a style uniquely The Prodigy. Some of their most well known tracks include: ‘Firestarter,’ ‘Smack My Bitch Up,’ and ‘Breathe.’
The Prodigy Takes You From The Moshpit to the Dancefloor
Invaders Must Die is brilliantly eclectic, moving from the mosh pit to the dance floor, seamlessly. Honestly, it sounds like a group of guys broke into my house, tied me up in the corner, and proceeded to throw the sickest house party ever, and by the time it was all said and done, I couldn’t have thanked them more. Another word that might be used to describe Invaders Must Die is ‘complete’. Every bit as iconic to their generation as punk was to the nations fortysomethings.
Highlights of Invaders
I do have my favorites. ‘Run with the Wolves’ will basically slaughter you with nasty guitar riffs, making you feel as if you are caught in the middle of a war zone. It's punk but not, made all the spicier by legendary musician Dave Grohl pounding away on the drums. This is one of the tracks on the album that will confuse your head. Am I raving? Or am I moshing? Depends on you, I suppose…
I was really surprised by the final track on Invaders Must Die. ‘Stand Up’ is a horn-led sunrise anthem that speaks to new possibilities, and longs for a new day. Of course this is all accomplished with the highest possible amount of swagger. To say ‘Stand Up’ will “strut” it’s way through your speakers is a fairly accurate analogy.
Summary
Invaders Must Die is a fantastic effort from a group of electronic music pioneers. Also of note, Invaders is the first release for The Prodigy’s own label. The Prodigy also played at the 2009 Winter Music Conference in Miami, arriving late due to a missed flight. More dates are expected soon.
For longtime Prodigy fans, you will find yourself a bit nostaligic with Invaders Must Die. If you are new to The Prodigy, this is a great record to scoop up. It will introduce you to what you have been missing…
Released March 2009 on RED Distribution.
