News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

PRODIGY


BIO:
The claustrophobic confines of a west London attic hideaway. Walls, covered in heavyweight purple curtains seem to bring the dimly lit room's parameters collapsing in as a huge computer screen’s wallpaper radiates the green glow of long hot summer. Its pastoral image of feudal tranquillity is the room’s only window on the world. Look closer and there's a twist in this Constable painting. In the middle of the painter's rustic overtures sits a stolen burnt out car. It's an urban blight on England's countryside, a twisted interruption on this green and pleasant land. More than just a screen saver though, the image, one of Banksy's infamous reworkings of old masters, is the perfect visual accompaniment to the aural assault that is pounding from the room's speakers. Sweat soaked b-lines thunder with adrenalised breakcore attitude; rushing keyboard hooks come on like a futurebound flashback; guitars crack and vocals snap. It's the sound of The Prodigy mixing up genres, contorting the past and rewiring the future. The Prodigy ramraiding through the tranquillity of music's status quo like a blot on the landscape of England's dreaming. The Prodigy with a short, sharp and brutal declaration of intent. Still underground after all these years. Still true to the dream. Invaders Must Die is the fifth album from a band long synonymous with bringing urban disruption to the countryside. Like uninvited guests dirtying up the landscape they've long trodden paths supposedly to them. On debut album Experience, their rough-around-the-edges, renegade-break psychosis soundtracked rave's free party antics at a time when dance artists weren't supposed to release albums. The follow up Music for the Jilted Generation dragged guitars from rock's bloated grasp, fused metal to dysfunctional beat alchemy and stormed the heartland of rock music's venues at a time when dance acts were only supposed to play raves. With 1997's The Fat of the Land and it's brace of radio and MTV hogging singles ('Firestarter', 'Breathe', 'Smack My Bitch Up') The Prodigy stormed the world's festivals, headlined stages usually reserved for rock's establishment and walked like Gods where other press-friendly artists failed to tread - and dance artists were previously uninvited. With 2004's Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned the vibe turned its back on live shows and arena exposure and took the music back to an underground that had tried to turn its back on them. Gatecrashers once more, The Prodigy answered nay sayers with an astounding set of dumb ass electro punk classics. A DJ beats album that couldn't be played out live, from an act that had taken the live gig by the scruff of its neck, redefined it and made it its own. This wasn’t what The Prodigy were meant to do. Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned acted as much as a catharsis for Liam Howlett as it was a chance to reset the Prodigy programme. The following year's greatest hits package Their Law not only came as a timely reminder as to just how epoch defining the band were, but also reintroduced the world to the greatest live show on earth. In the arena tour that followed Their Law the band played voodoo with their rave classics, reworked and rewired their smouldering best and reminded old ravers and young rockers alike just how potent a force they actually are. And if that wasn't all, it reminded The Prodigy how important it is to rock it live. The tour provided some of the greatest performances of their career and gave the inspiration for their next set - an album designed to play live, an album of short, succinct tracks with none of the over indulgent frills normally associated with electronic dance music. A set of tracks that arrive like an unwanted carbuncle on the over designed veneer of contemporary culture and go out like glorious victors in a war against the negativity of outsiders. Once again The Prodigy aren't playing to the script others have written for them. The first thing you notice about Invaders Must Die is how complete it sounds. Previous albums have always had weak moments, tracks that don't quite fit, or even the feeling that the set was a couple of tracks short of its goal. Invaders Must Die though is all there, a consistent collection of bangers firing from the same canon. The next thing you notice about Invaders Must Die is just how melodic it is. Not just melody in the vocal sense (although both Keith Flint and Maxim both turn in their finest vocal performances to date), but in the heyday-of-hardcore keyboard-hookline sense. Oh yes, if The Prodigy had learned anything from the Their Law tour it was that those old skool rave anthems still rock hard - and are every bit as iconic to their generation as punk was to the nation's forty-somethings. So Invaders Must Die then is awash with references to the free party generation. It thunders like the mother of all E-rushes, all hairs tingling, spine jumping and lips buzzing. But it ain't no retroactive arms-in-the-air, water-sharing nostalgia trip. This set is fuelled by the dog-thunder of punk's saliva-dripping rabid snarl. In fact its canines are so thoroughly bared that it's more likely to snap at your jugular and steal your water. Laughing all the while. In fact, the often overlooked dumb-assed humour that has always been at the heart of the band is has a full force presence here. Take 'Colours', the first tune The Prodigy recorded for this set with its 1992 polysynth riffing that sounds like The Stranglers' 'No More Heroes' parachuted into the middle of a Perception rave. Or 'Thunder', the bastard child of the Devilish threesome of 'Out of Space', Studio 1's finest roots rockers and switchblade ambience. 'Take Me to the Hospital' finds Keith Flint and Maxim flexing over a vintage Prodigy riff. Suitably rusted, distorted and in need of urgent medication it bites like the soundtrack to Dante's Inferno. While the live favourite (and band website download) 'Worlds on Fire' resurrects a 'flaming' theme and applies it to a groove straight out second album 'Music for the Jilted Generation' and slices it down the middle with a sample of R&S classic rave tune 'Vamp' by Outlander. It's the kind of f*cked up twist that you quickly come to expect on this album. 'Omen' is beamed straight into the moshpit from rave central, while 'Piranha' rips the threads from the back of 60's garage and pussy whips it into the scumbag guttercrawl of modern urban life. Any old skool bon homie floating around the riffs of this album are quickly slaughtered by 'Run with the Wolves' where The Prodigy's self assured, gang-minded campaign turns into a maniacal, nose bleeding, heads-against-the-wall warzone. Added pounding energy here supplied by Dave Grohl. “There's no collaborations on this album as such.” says Liam Howlett “But toward the end of recording Dave Grohl called me and said he was thinking about laying down some drums for me to use. Soon after this hard drive arrived with loads of drum tracks. I hadn't asked him for them, it was his idea, but when I put his drums on this track and used a Keith Flint vocal that we'd done it seemed to give the album a focus. Nothing about this album was planned in terms of what I wanted it to sound like. We just recorded stuff and then looked at it at the end. I really wanted to have fun with it.” After 40 minutes of having your head battered by future nostalgia, serotonin levels twisted by feel-good horrorcore and your synapses snapped by whiplash attitude, Invaders Must Die delivers its final, brilliant twist - a horn drenched sunrise anthem that aches with the positivity of a new dawn. That track, 'Stand Up' laughs aloud like a victor, spreads its arms around its comrades (the unit, the family) and walks the line of a burning horizon with the swaggering look of satisfaction that only comes when you instinctively know you've achieved what you set out to do. Cocky? Sure - but wouldn't you be if you'd seen off all of the invaders with your most complete album yet, the first for your own record label? Invaders Must Die is the unique sound of The Prodigy, still trespassing after all these years, walking the path they've created for themselves. And with that free party attitude still breaking and entering where other's can only dream of following. “We represent all that is great about Britain, and we should be protected like a national heritage,” laughs Liam Howlett as 'Stand Up' fades into the distance. He may well be right! The question is, are the established overlords of our green and pleasant land ready for this particular juggernaut to be jettisoned into the middle of Constable’s finest.

Latest Tweets

the_prodigy Twitter 2/17 @ 6:05 AM
the_prodigy - The Prodigy will headline @Wearefstvl in Essex, 25th - 27th August 2023 Tickets will go on sale Friday 24th Februar… https://t.co/S1Q4evCkvC
Retweet | Reply | Link   

the_prodigy Twitter 2/16 @ 12:00 PM
the_prodigy - INVADERS MUST DIE REMIXES + will drop on @RSDUK on ltd edition 180g 12” orange gatefold vinyl! Featuring a collecti… https://t.co/t2ayool7Ls
Retweet | Reply | Link   

the_prodigy Twitter 2/16 @ 9:01 AM
the_prodigy - 👀 👀 Ready to blow your summer up! KASABIAN vs THE PRODIGY - Rocket Fuel is out 22nd April for @recordstoreday 2023… https://t.co/cgb5aIxeRB
Retweet | Reply | Link   


MORE TWEETS

Latest Articles


Video: Major Myjah Drops 'Trying' Music Video Photo Video: Major Myjah Drops 'Trying' Music Video
by Michael Major - March 20, 2024

Discover the latest from Major Myjah as he unveils his new music video for 'Trying'. Dive into the captivating visuals and soulful sounds of this rising star. 'Trying' follows the revered release of 'By Your Side,' which was released earlier this year. The track has earned placements on coveted play...

Maggie Rogers Shares New Track 'So Sick of Dreaming' Photo Maggie Rogers Shares New Track 'So Sick of Dreaming'
by Michael Major - March 19, 2024

Discover the latest track 'So Sick of Dreaming' from Maggie Rogers, a fresh addition to her discography that continues to showcase her unique musical style. Rogers co-produced Don't Forget Me with Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris) at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, writing eight of...

Major Myjah Cements Prowess on Latest Song Release 'Trying' Photo Major Myjah Cements Prowess on Latest Song Release 'Trying'
by Michael Major - March 14, 2024

Explore the latest release 'TRYING' by MAJOR MYJAH, showcasing his musical prowess. Now available on all digital platforms, this song is set to leave a lasting impression on listeners. Produced by Major and Deion Gill, this new offering weaves together reflective songwriting and magnetic vocals as M...

Front 242 Set To End Their Live Concert Career After 40-Plus Years; Final Performance Photo Front 242 Set To End Their Live Concert Career After 40-Plus Years; Final Performances Scheduled For Fall & Winter 2024-2025
by Blair Ingenthron - February 24, 2024

After an incredible 40-plus-year run on the road, Belgian EBM act Front 242 are setting an end to their live concert career, announcing their final performances to take place in the fall and winter of 2024-2025. Learn more here!...

V Of BTS Joins UMI For New 'wherever U R' Versions Photo V Of BTS Joins UMI For New 'wherever U R' Versions
by Michael Major - February 14, 2024

UMI has released three new versions of her chart-topping single “wherever u r” ft. V of BTS. The romance-tinged reworkings follow the January 19 release of UMI's critically acclaimed talking to the wind EP. The three delicate new versions (all mixed by producer and UMI's close collaborator V-Ron) sh...

Maggie Rogers to Release New Album in April: Hear the First Single Photo Maggie Rogers to Release New Album in April: Hear the First Single
by Michael Major - February 08, 2024

She co-produced Don't Forget Me with Ian Fitchuk (Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris) at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, writing eight of its 10 songs with him and penning two alone. Shawn Everett (Brittany Howard, The War on Drugs) mixed. The album was mastered by Emily Lazar (Beck, Coldplay), w...

NOAHFINNCE Releases New Single '3 DAY HEADACHE'; Will Play Gramercy Theatre in March Photo NOAHFINNCE Releases New Single '3 DAY HEADACHE'; Will Play Gramercy Theatre in March
by Blair Ingenthron - February 03, 2024

NOAHFINNCE US headline tour with support from Chase Petra, Teenage Joans, and TX2. Tour kicks off on March 14th and includes a stop at Gramercy Theatre on March 19th....

Long-Lost 80's Techno-Pop Band Vivabeat Remastered Reissues Confirmed For March From Photo Long-Lost 80's Techno-Pop Band Vivabeat Remastered Reissues Confirmed For March From Rubellan Remasters
by Michael Major - January 30, 2024

Rubellan is releasing two separate projects simultaneously — a dramatically elevated edition of Vivabeat's debut album, Party in the War Zone, including ten bonus tracks gleaned from the years after the original release, and The House is Burning, a limited edition, purple and blue colored-vinyl, bes...

Grace Kelly, Accompanied By Strings, To Celebrate Cinema With New Album Out In March Photo Grace Kelly, Accompanied By Strings, To Celebrate Cinema With New Album Out In March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 25, 2024

Grace Kelly announces her 15th album, 'Grace Kelly with Strings: At The Movies,' set for release on March 1, 2024. The album features special guests and an all-star cast of millennial arrangers....

Major Myjah Ignites Return With New Song 'By Your Side' Photo Major Myjah Ignites Return With New Song 'By Your Side'
by Michael Major - January 25, 2024

He steps out from behind the scenes as a highly sought-after writer and producer, placing his multi-layered solo artistry on center-stage. During the latter part of last year, he teased his highly anticipated return, unleashing heavy-hitting covers and music arrangements to PARTYNEXTDOOR's “Break Fr...

UMI Unveils Highly-Anticipated New EP 'Talking to the Wind' Photo UMI Unveils Highly-Anticipated New EP 'Talking to the Wind'
by Michael Major - January 19, 2024

The new 4-track project sees UMI in a confident new light as she fully embraces love, life, but above all, feeling okay with being lost in the world. Her first independent release, talking to the wind EP was written during a transitional period. Ultimately, UMI found wisdom and the creative motivati...

Maggie Rogers' 'Heard It in a Past Life' Debut Album Certified RIAA Gold on Fifth Ann Photo Maggie Rogers' 'Heard It in a Past Life' Debut Album Certified RIAA Gold on Fifth Anniversary of Its Release
by Michael Major - January 18, 2024

GRAMMY Award-nominated songwriter/producer/performer Maggie Rogers is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the release of Heard It In A Past Life, her debut Capitol Records album. As she marks this milestone, the RIAA has certified the album Gold and singles “Light On” and “Alaska” have gone Platinu...

UK's Talk Show Share New Single 'Red/White' From Debut Album 'Effigy' Photo UK's Talk Show Share New Single 'Red/White' From Debut Album 'Effigy'
by Michael Major - January 18, 2024

Drawing on everything from The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy to Nine Inch Nails and The KLF, the band leans into the raw, primal sound at the intersection of techno, electronic, industrial, and rock music that informed their 2022 EP Touch The Ground (produced by Hot Chip's Joe Goddard and Al Doy...

NOAHFINNCE Releases New Single '3 DAY HEADACHE' Photo NOAHFINNCE Releases New Single '3 DAY HEADACHE'
by Michael Major - January 05, 2024

NOAHFINNCE's new album was co-written with of Danny Jones and Dougie Poynter from McFly, and produced by ST£FAN, Julia Sykes, LAWRENT (Chain Smokers, Cheat Codes), Thomas Mitchener (Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, The Damned) and Arcades (BTS). It features the brand new “3 DAY HEADACHE”, plus previ...

UMI Unveils 'Wherever U R' With V of BTS Photo UMI Unveils 'Wherever U R' With V of BTS
by Michael Major - January 02, 2024

Visionary R&B singer-songwriter UMI releases “wherever u r” – a special new track before the end of the year featuring V of 21st century icons BTS. Comforting and vibrant, “wherever u r” is a heartfelt song where the two trade verses about loving someone from a distance....

UMI Unveils “Wherever U R” Featuring V of BTS Photo UMI Unveils “Wherever U R” Featuring V of BTS
by Blair Ingenthron - December 30, 2023

Visionary R&B singer-songwriter UMI has released “wherever u r” – a special new track before the end of the year featuring V of 21st century icons BTS....

14-Year-Old Guitarist Nikhil Bagga To Perform U.S. National Anthem At NHL's Winter Cl Photo 14-Year-Old Guitarist Nikhil Bagga To Perform U.S. National Anthem At NHL's Winter Classic
by Michael Major - December 26, 2023

The National Hockey League (NHL) provided an illustrated preview of its takeover of T-Mobile Park, home of Major League Baseball's Seattle Mariners, and unveiled its entertainment plans for the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic outdoor game between the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights on New Y...

EXIT Festival Unveils First 24 Acts For 2024 Edition With Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane Photo EXIT Festival Unveils First 24 Acts For 2024 Edition With Black Eyed Peas, Gucci Mane & More
by Michael Major - December 18, 2023

EXIT Festival, who have revealed the first 24 acts for the 2024 edition, set to take place in Now Sad, Serbia across 10th-14th July, 2024. Being announced are Black Eyed Peas, Carl Cox, Gucci Mane, Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, Bonobo, Kenya Grace, Barry Can't Swim, Franky Wah and many mor...

Riot Ten Drops 'Supercharged' With Bok Nero And RZRKT Photo Riot Ten Drops 'Supercharged' With Bok Nero And RZRKT
by Michael Major - December 18, 2023

In a thrilling build-up to his highly anticipated EP coming this January, Riot Ten joins forces with bass up-and-comer RZRKT and fellow seasoned Dim Mak veteran Bok Nero, to drop their explosive track 'Supercharged'. “Supercharged' follows on the heels of “Squad Anthem” and “Tekno Music.”...

Kid Prexy Drops New Single 'I Think That You're Pretty' Photo Kid Prexy Drops New Single 'I Think That You're Pretty'
by Michael Major - December 15, 2023

Pop-punk sensation Kid Prexy emerges with a new electrifying single and video in “I Think That You're Pretty”. The track, produced by Grammy Nominated Multi-Platinum rock icon Kevin Thrasher (Machine Gun Kelly, Blink 182, Jxdn, Travis Barker)  captures the sweeping feeling of falling for a crush for...

Abraham Alexander Releases 'Electric Deluxe Sessions' EP Photo Abraham Alexander Releases 'Electric Deluxe Sessions' EP
by Michael Major - November 30, 2023

Abraham Alexander’s new EP Electric Deluxe Session, recorded live at Adrian Quesada’s (Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma) Electric Deluxe Recorders in Austin. The EP features a cover of Chris Isaak’s beloved “Wicked Game” alongside live versions of three tracks from Alexander’s critically acclaimed debut ...

Lo5ive Returns With Funk And Afro House Fusion 'Hangin Up' Photo Lo5ive Returns With Funk And Afro House Fusion 'Hangin Up'
by Michael Major - November 30, 2023

An infectious and down-tempo club banger, during the creation of the track Lo5ive leaned into his multi-genre sensibilities to blend the tones of funky house crossover classics (such as Crazy Cousins'remix of Kyla's ‘Do You Mind?' and Dennis Ferrer's ‘Hey Hey') and fresh Afro house vibes with inspir...

Masego Releases New Masego Remixes Photo Masego Releases New Masego Remixes
by Michael Major - November 17, 2023

Masego reups, recharges, and revitalizes four tracks from his acclaimed self-titled album, Masego, with the brand new Masego Remixes. Within this collection, Kweku Sanderson delivers a nostalgic and hyper catchy Detroit House take on the single “What You Wanna Try,” while Kooldrink infuses his Remix...

Haiku Hands Unleash 'Cool For You' Produced by Motez (Flume, Tkay Maidza) Photo Haiku Hands Unleash 'Cool For You' Produced by Motez (Flume, Tkay Maidza)
by Michael Major - November 09, 2023

Australian alt-dance trio Haiku Hands (Claire Nakazawa, Beatrice Lewis, and Mie Nakazawa) release 'Cool For You,' produced by Motez (Flume, Disclosure, Sam Smith, Tkay Maidza) via Spinning Top Records. Now that they're back on home soil, they've announced Australian 2023 tour dates, including headli...

Masego Releases New Remix of 'You Never Visit Me' Featuring Wale & Envy Photo Masego Releases New Remix of 'You Never Visit Me' Featuring Wale & Envy
by Michael Major - October 27, 2023

Continuing a banner year, GRAMMY nominated artist Masego releases a new Remix of his single “You Never Visit Me” now featuring rappers Wale and Envy—out now. He reignites “You Never Visit Me,” which remains a standout from his acclaimed self-titled album, Masego, out now....












Videos


Recommended For You