Album Of The Week: No Tourists — The Prodigy
After thirty years, The Prodigy still shows that they are more than capable of producing genre-defying music rolling with the times, but also maintaining its authenticity. Jack McPoland captures the success of their latest release.
The Prodigy’s latest release No Tourists is best described as unexpectedly nostalgic. After The Prodigy finished their previous album, The Day Is My Enemy, they announced that they would cease to make full-length albums in favour of EPs. The Prodigy had it within themselves to create a quality full-length album. No Tourists is a throwback to their older music, utilising all of the tools that they have mastered through years of production in their definitive, genre-shaping style.
‘Need Some1’ and ‘Light Up the Sky’ immerse the listener in an intense cacophony of drum and bass, stylistically reminiscent of their 1997 hit ‘Firestarter’. Later tracks such as ‘Champions of London’ harken back to their 2009 album Invaders Must Die, whilst ‘We Live Forever’ is underpinned by a synth distinctive of Liam Howlett’s production.
Keith Flint’s gritty vocals are as phenomenal as always, particularly on tracks that differ from the album’s DnB style. The eponymous ‘No Tourists’ emerges with clear punk influences, and Flint’s rave-punk finesse offers a reminder of The Prodigy’s most classic moments. However, The Prodigy are best when they combine both ear-bleeding dance and punk, such as on the Ho99o9 collaboration ‘Fight Fire with Fire’.
All of The Prodigy’s signature flourishes are present on this album, placing them at the forefront of the genre that they have defined over the last thirty years. They haven’t stagnated over their many years of popularity — they’ve clearly evolved enough to excite listeners, whilst also allowing space to reminisce over their best tracks. No Tourists is a testament to The Prodigy’s longevity, and reminds listeners that they have many more years of music left to come.
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