I’ve finally found a proper version of this (as in not snipped out of a radio broadcast) so, despite the fact that anyone who wanted to hear it has quite possibly heard it already, here’s one from the upcoming Prodigy album, which reportedly has “Liam Howlett back on the beats.” You’d think that’d be a good thing. 

Of the leaked tracks I’ve heard thus far, though, it seems like “Girls” is as good as it’s going to get. After the disaster that was “Baby’s Got A Temper,” Howlett dumped everything recorded up to then and started from scratch. It’s a painful process, having to start from scratch, and I’d imagine it’s very tiring. That’d at least explain the lack of energy on the album. 

“Girls” works well enough; it’s definitely not Fat Of The Land material, although the dissolution into bass drum hits at the end is reminiscent of parts of “Diesel Power.” With the dirty synth hits, a decent drumline and vocals that were thankfully not provided by Keith Flint, this would’ve been an outstanding way to return to the fold if other tracks like “Memphis Bells” and “Phoenix” weren’t so limp. I guess they can’t all be anthems, but is one or two too much to ask? When bands like Basement Jaxx can repeatedly beat you at your own game, like the son who plays baseball better than his dad, you’ll either find a new way to stay relevant or fade away as is your role. Guess what the Prodigy chose?