Enter Shikari have surprised fans with another brand new single, “Lightyears”, arriving just days before the band embark on their biggest UK and European headline arena tour to date.
The new track takes a deeply personal direction, with frontman Rou Reynolds reflecting on childhood memories, loved ones who have passed away and the strange experience of looking back at earlier versions of yourself.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Reynolds explained that he recently began digitising old family camcorder footage, revisiting everything from childhood holidays and Christmases to school concerts and birthdays.
“It was a surreal experience,” he explained, describing the process as a mixture of emotions that sometimes became almost painful.
He continued: “Lightyears is not only me speaking to loved ones who are no longer with us, it’s also me speaking to my former self.”
The surprise release follows October’s “Higher Ground” and comes during an emotional period for Enter Shikari. Earlier this month, the band confirmed they would enter an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2027, leaving their future beyond that point uncertain.
Despite the announcement, the band have plenty happening before then. April saw the unexpected release of their 12 track album Lose Your Self, while October brought their Live From The Golden Age performance session and two sold out intimate shows in Oxford and Leicester.
Next up is their biggest UK and European arena tour, beginning in Hamburg on November 3 before reaching the UK on November 13 in Nottingham. Holding Absence and The Callous Daoboys will join as support, with the tour featuring stops in Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester before two nights at London’s Alexandra Palace.
The band will also continue their support for grassroots music venues, with £1 from every UK arena ticket going towards Music Venue Trust!