Photo by:
Intriguing, complex, catchy and soulful are only a handful of words capable of describing Leicester-based band Kasabian. Named after the wife of famous convict Charles Mason, Kasabian has been taking the U.S. by storm and many have been sleeping through the wave. For those who are unfamiliar, the British band was one of the 2005 headline events for other famous Englishmen, Oasis.
Kasabian’s self-titled debut included hits such as “Reason is Treason” and “Club Foot.” The same energy and devotion to creativity continues in their latest release “Empire.”
The album is packed with endless melodies and thoughtful lyrics that have been a forefront of British rock in the last decade. Unlike the band’s debut, though, “Empire” brings slightly more traditional rock to the modern music scene.
While fans from day one may be displeased by this move from short bursts of electronica to standardized rock tunes, others will be treated to a band that deserves as much praise as its 2005 tour peers, Oasis and Jet.
In fact, the first track treats listeners to the band’s first single, respectively named “Empire.” The song starts with a simple drum and bass beats and the progresses into Tom Meighan’s catchy lyrics “Too much information/Well I said you’re good for nothing.”
The song then makes a unique by completely changing beat structure for the chorus. Meighan sings, “Stop! I said it’s happening again! We’re all wasting away!” Regardless of the beat change, the song is an obvious choice for a single. It’s refreshing and keeps listeners from becoming bored with traditional rock structure that can make or break bands today.
“Shoot the Runner,” the following track provides the same simple beats as “Empire” but with a grunge-like guitar sound that gives Kasabian a unique tone over other British bands maintaining the same sound throughout all songs. Although the song is an obvious rock hit, it has enough power and catchiness to make people dance.
The third track, “Last Trip (In Flight)” continues to the tradition of changing tone with an echo-effect similar to hit “Reason is Treason” from Kasabian’s debut. Mixed with Meighan’s infectious lyrics and the sheer energy of guitar, the song proves to be another winner for a band that still remains to stay under a lot of commercial radar. “Me Plus One” slows the beat of the album down slightly with softer lyrics and guitar parts.
The result is a balance that listeners are sure to enjoy. Older fans may be surprised at Kasabian’s ability to channel the same energy and uniqueness from their first album into rock riffs rather than industrial melodies.
The energy rather than the exact sound is what seems to be giving Kasabian its fame. “Sun-Rise-Light-Flies,” for example, tends to repeat the chorus more than may necessarily be needed. Yet, the band’s ability to use new sounds and add a quick drum beat catches listeners in a daydream of music.
Track six, “Apnoea” continues to prove the point by introducing what would seem to be a drum solo functioning as the band drum riff. Also included are synthetic beeps and scratchy lyrics.
What could possibly be the description of music chaos actually results in a wonderful song. The song is sure to please old and new listeners alike. Old and new listeners may continue to share interest in the next four tracks. Each gives a soulful amount of soft electronica not found in may upbeat British bands such as Kasabian.
However, the album’s last track “The Doberman,” demonstrates some of the band’s finest talents. Meighan’s lyrics “They never had no future/They never had no past/I was alone/I was alone again” are full of emotion.
Furthermore, each instrument in the song has its own emphasized part rather than just being used as a background beat. Listeners may be pleased to even find a trumpet section near the end of the track. Overall, the song ends the album on a high note.
Whether new to Kasabian or merely looking for a good time with old pals, listeners will find “Empire” an excellent release. The band that has managed to stay out of the light in the U.S. is bound to strike it rich with fans soon. In support of “Empire,” Kasabian will be at the Gothic Theater on Saturday.
