Invaders

Must

Die

When I was young I waited long and hard for “The Fat of the Land” to be released. I remember me and my cohorts screaming the lyrics to “Firestarter” in 5th grade. A year later “Breathe” and “Smack My Bitch Up” became dancefloor classics. Then Liam Howlett shoved his head up his ass for the next 7 years.

What popped out was the long awaited “Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned” which not only failed to gain radio approval but also pissed off the fans. Gone were Maxim and Keith Flint, the stage masters and overall energy contributors to the group.  Who were they replaced by?  Juliette Lewis.

Liam ditched his bros ‘cause he was fucking this bitch and needed to pay the bills so he brought her on the album. That and he was busy paying off scientologists (doesn't deserve capitalization.)

Enough of the past. I acquired a promotional copy of 2009’s “Invaders Must Die” because I know famous people. I listened to it in its entirety and am giving it a second chance as I write this review. I think “Take Me to the Hospital” shows some promise. No I take it back-- all the tracks suck. 

Liam had to beg Maxim and Flint to come back and help him with some one-liners and shoot his dick full of steroids after Juliette gave him erectile dysfunction.  Either Keith and Maxim have grown old and tired or they’re just trying to fuck Howlett over after being stabbed in the back. Their lines aren’t as creative or genuine as back in the day. From a production standpoint, the album is mixed well but doesn’t innovate at all. Liam’s using trite techniques that were worn out pre-millennium. He doesn’t push foward or experiment with sounds like Gus Gus, Booka Shade, Crystal Castle, or even Imaginary Film Club for that matter.

This makes me sad. When I was a kid I aspired to sound as cool as these guys. I saw The Prodigy as the crème of the crop and never thought anything could surpass them. Well I kept up with the electronic scene my whole life and have found there are many bands far more interesting than The Prodigy; which I just listed. I truly believe that Imaginary Film Club’s last CD “Best Served Chilled” far surpasses Invaders Must Die in terms of technique, sophistication, energy, and overall charm. I wish I were bragging when in fact I'm disappointed to see my childhood heroes become pop culture crap that oozes through the fingers of record companies. Now they're just a big name that will sell well no matter how poor the music becomes.