For the uninitiated, the thought of a live album and concert film from an electronica act might seem to be a dry affair capturing a laptop-toting DJ nodding in rhythm to a set of pre-programmed loops and beats. While that may be the case for some, THE PRODIGY has never been your run-of-the-mill dance act, and that’s something well-documented on their latest release WORLD’S ON FIRE. Captured live at their own Warriors Dance Festival in the UK last July, this CD/DVD (or CD/Blu-ray) presentation showcases the band as a ferocious troupe capable of bringing a crowd of 65K+ under complete and utter control.
Commanding their ‘warriors‘ as Master Generals, the vocal duo of Maxim and Keith Flint work the stage with energy seldom seen by performers half their ages, much less those fronting a band that has already entered it’s third decade of existence. The 17-track set is exhausting when experienced visually – the live band transferring their power onto the sweat-drenched crowd under the red/blue glow of emergency lights. Amidst the bounce of the pogo-ing masses, circle mosh pits form that rival even the mightiest of metal shows as the mainstream hits Firestarter and Smack My Bitch Up force adrenaline to course throughout their veins. While the chaos is powerful, THE PRODIGY is in complete control through the end, as they bring the masses into a gentle sway for the reggae-tinged closer Out of Space.
WORLD’S ON FIRE is one of 2011’s best releases, and one that will stand as a shining moment for THE PRODIGY as a perfect time capsule to inspire and entertain listeners new and old alike.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
A Note on Extras: From the menu screen on the DVD and Blu-ray release, tinkering with the buttons on the virtual control panel will lead you to a collection of easter eggs and bonus items – the content of which was sadly omitted from the advance review copy received here. While the path was open to exploration, it’s bounty was blocked by a text screen stating “Only Available on DVD & Blu-Ray Release.” In addition to the feature presentation, a variety of featurettes filmed throughout the world are available. Averaging 5-6 minutes per clip, all are icing on an already delicious sonic cake.
