Resident Advisor review from 2004:
Imagine a scenario in which the government enlisted the talents of Trent Reznor (NIN), Jack White (The White Stripes) and Squarepusher in an effort to build a weapon that would be relied upon to save the future of mankind. The theory behind this sick and twisted experiment would be to make music that is powerful enough to discourage an invasion of looming alien spacecraft. After spending years deep beneath the earth’s surface, the fruits of their efforts would emerge sounding similar to The Prodigy’s newest endeavor entitled Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned.
It is very clear, after hearing the first few tunes on Always Outnumbered, that The Prodigy has come a very long way since their 1997 mainstream release The Fat of the Land that launched their success into the stratosphere. The mastermind behind the prodigy that is credited for many of the ideas behind this masterpiece is no other than Liam Howlett.
“The title says it all about the music and band,” Howlett said. This is one quote that I will definitely agree with. Joining forces in the studio are numerous acts and celebrities. Vocalists such as Kool Keith, Twista, Oasis’ Liam Gallagher performed on the 12-track disc which hit stores in September. Also appearing on the album is film star Juliette Lewis. This appearance comes just prior to Lewis’ debut release from her band Juliette & the Licks.
The sound, which Howlett achieved on the album, is one that cannot really be classified into one genre. Obviously, the music is deeply rooted in electronic music yet it reaches into industrial, hip-hop, breakbeat, and rock providing a healthy portion of music for any listener’s appetite.
The first single from Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned is entitled “Girls.” This song features a very strong breakbeat with an even more-powerful bassline and is nicely rounded off with the classic 80’s synthesizer sound that is being popularized amongst the dance genre.
I suggest running out immediately and getting your copy of Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned available on XL Recordings.
