The Prodigy, 'Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned' (XL) Released 23/08/04

Fans of The Prodigy have had to wait 7 years since ‘The Fat Of The Land’ for a new album, but finally it's arrived.  During that time Liam Howlett has married, become a father, and by his own admission released a poor stopgap single in the shape of 2002’s ‘Baby’s Got A Temper’.  For this new record, Howlett promises a return to their roots, with the focus on the beats, and with it has come a few changes.  Out go Keith Flint and Maxim; in come various guest vocalists such as Liam Gallagher and actress Juliette Lewis.

For the first five tracks of the record Howlett is inspired.  ‘Spitfire’ mixes dreamy female and heavily distorted male vocals over an industrial beat – The Prodigy are most certainly back!  First single ‘Girls’ moves toward a hip-hop electro-punk hybrid, and should be filling clubs around the country soon, while ‘Memphis Bells’ is another great track with another punishing beat and the slutty vocals of Princess Superstar.  ‘Get Up Get Off’ is a vocally prominent hip-hop track using the talents of Twista, and then appears the collaboration with Juliette Lewis, ‘Hot Ride’.  A pulsating beat and crunching guitars are taken over by a sensual voice and a great vocal hook – before she launches into a screaming tirade.  ****ing fantastic!

The high standard doesn’t last the length of the album, ‘Wake Up Call’ is reminiscent of ‘Firestarter’ but ends up not being anywhere near as good, and  ‘You’ll Be Under My Wheels’ lacks direction.  But the album does end on a high; ‘The Way It Is’ samples Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’, making it much heavier and electronic.  ‘Shootdown’ aims to finish as the album began, bass-heavy beats, and a rocking guitar riff.  Gallagher’s vocals are almost unidentifiable, such is the distortion, but his sneer adds to the aggressive attitude.

It’s a very successful return for The Prodigy, though perhaps this is more of a Liam Howlett album.  The beats are still there and heavier than ever, and more often than not the collaborations work very well.  Most tracks will sit in comfortably amongst the likes of ‘Breathe’ – so the December tour should be a blinder!