Introduction
Enter Shikari is no stranger to experimentation. With a sound that defies genre and a message that challenges social norms, the British post-hardcore/electronic rock band has consistently delivered immersive, chaotic, and thought-provoking art. In their latest continuation of the Bootleg Series, they’ve taken their creativity even further—by incorporating ppr fittings into their visual aesthetic, stage design, and conceptual storytelling.
While ppr fittings may seem like an odd addition to a musical narrative, their inclusion is more than just industrial flair. It symbolizes structure, flow, resistance, and connection—core themes in Enter Shikari’s music. This article dives into how ppr fittings are being used in this project and what they represent within the band’s evolving visual language.
What Are ppr fittings?
ppr fittings are pipe fittings made from Polypropylene Random Copolymer, commonly used in plumbing systems. They are valued for their:
- Durability
- Heat and pressure resistance
- Corrosion-free material
- Easy installation
- Long-term performance
Common types include elbows, tees, couplings, reducers, and end caps. Typically used in water systems and industrial settings, these fittings are practical, resilient, and built to last—qualities that mirror the band’s commitment to function over form, and message over marketing.
Enter Shikari’s Artistic Evolution
The Bootleg Series is Enter Shikari’s archival journey through raw live recordings, alternate versions, and unreleased content. It reflects the spirit of unpredictability and nonconformity that defines the band.
But this latest iteration of the Bootleg Series has taken a step into industrial conceptualism, combining the band’s aggressive sonic energy with gritty, utilitarian visual elements. That’s where ppr fittings come in—not just as props, but as symbols.
The Symbolism Behind ppr fittings
So why would a band integrate plumbing fittings into a concert experience?
1. Connection and Flow
Just as ppr fittings join and direct the flow of water, Enter Shikari’s music connects ideas—politics, philosophy, and chaos—in a seamless stream. These components represent how the band channels emotion and message through an interconnected sonic system.
2. Resilience Under Pressure
ppr fittings are built to withstand intense pressure and high temperatures, much like Enter Shikari’s refusal to compromise under mainstream expectations. They reflect a DIY ethic, and a refusal to break under scrutiny or heat.
3. Form Follows Function
The band’s use of ppr fittings isn’t flashy—it’s raw and practical, aligning with their ethos. The minimalism of ppr components contrasts with flashy stage gimmicks, offering a grounded, almost brutalist aesthetic.
Visual and Stage Integration
At recent Bootleg Series live performances and in promotional visuals, ppr fittings have been seen integrated into:
- Stage rigs — Structural frameworks made with visible green or grey ppr piping
- Video content — Symbolic cutaways showing water or light flowing through complex pipe systems
- Merch displays — Pop-up shop setups built from actual ppr fittings
- Album visuals — Diagrams and 3D renderings inspired by plumbing systems and schematic layouts
This industrial motif gives Enter Shikari’s current era a stark, utilitarian beauty that complements their abrasive yet thoughtful sound.
Fans React
Fans have responded with intrigue and appreciation. Social media threads and Reddit forums show fans speculating about the deeper meanings of the fittings, sharing DIY interpretations, and even recreating the stage setups at home. For a band that thrives on interaction and community, this conceptual move fits perfectly.
Why It Works
By incorporating ppr fittings, Enter Shikari:
- Deepens their message through tangible metaphor
- Challenges expectations with unconventional design choices
- Strengthens fan engagement by making industrial art accessible
- Reinforces their identity as boundary-pushers and innovators
It’s more than visual flair—it’s functional art.
Final Thoughts
The continued Bootleg Series proves that Enter Shikari are not just musicians—they are systems architects of sound, thought, and structure. By integrating ppr fittings into their creative expression, they challenge the conventional divide between function and art.
Just as these fittings form essential yet overlooked parts of vital infrastructure, Enter Shikari’s music speaks to the invisible systems—emotional, social, political—that shape our lives. And like the strongest fittings, their art endures, adapts, and connects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are ppr fittings and why are they used in concerts?
ppr fittings are industrial pipe connectors made from polypropylene. In Enter Shikari’s Bootleg Series, they are used as a symbolic and visual design element representing flow, structure, and pressure.
2. Are the ppr fittings functional or purely decorative?
Both. While they are structurally used in stage design and displays, they also carry metaphorical meaning tied to the band’s themes of connection and resistance.
3. Is this a common trend in music stage design?
Not at all. Enter Shikari is among the few artists integrating such industrial materials into their live shows. It aligns with their experimental and boundary-pushing approach.
4. Can fans buy ppr fitting-themed merchandise?
Yes. Some limited-edition merch drops have included DIY kits, ppr fitting-inspired display stands, and even items made with actual pipe components.
5. How does this connect to the music itself?
Thematically, it mirrors the music’s commentary on societal systems and structures. Sonically, it creates a gritty, raw visual that reflects the band’s high-pressure, high-intensity soundscapes.
