With infectious British vocals and edgy guitar riffs, Kaiser Chiefs are back.
The Leeds-based band has been an underground highlight of sorts with their previous release Employment, but never seemed to grab massive U.S. attention.
Hopefully, the wait is over and fans across the country will see Brit-rock at its finest. The Chiefs’ new release Yours Truly, Angry Mob brings back some of the alternative vocal styles in Employment but with a new maturity, far beyond other competitors in today’s music scene.
Fans of Oasis and Kasabian will be pleased with the grungy feel to the album and harmonic melodies similar to those used by Coldplay. Make no mistake, though; This isn’t a soft-rock British band. This is bar-stomping action. The heavy tones begin with “Ruby,” the album’s first single.
The familiar beats from Employment give a quick introduction and are followed by the poppy vocals of singer Ricky Wilson. Wilson’s lyrics “Ruby, ruby, ruby, ruby” may be simple, but are sure to be catchy for many fans. Even new listeners will find the song to be an easy-going winner compared to many of the amateurs in today’s music scene.
“The Angry Mob” follows with a darker side to the band, but with the same energy as the first track. Loud guitar riffs and funky lyrics bring the song to life and give a truly amazing experience.
Listeners will even find some piano midway through the song.
Songs like these are the reason bands like Kaiser Chiefs will be the leaders in the future of modern rock.
Fans will even find the familar soft side of the band in “The Angry Mob,” when Wilson sings, “We are the angry mob/We read the papers every day/We like who we like/We hate who we hate, but we’re also easily swayed.”
“Heat Dies Down” sounds as if the album is about to take an 80s sound, but soon gives an almost punk-like tone.
The chorus is filled with tamborine, simple guitar riffs and the unforgettable sound of Wilson’s voice. A melodic solo is another winning aspect to the track. Kaiser Chiefs have clearly made up for any lost ground in Employment.
“Highroyds” brings back the band’s frequent use of “woo” and even adds some complementary special effects to balance the older, 50s style of rock with modern alternative sound. Overall, the sound is catchy and fun, but may not be everyone’s favorite.
Compared to harder rock in the previous tracks, “Highroyds” may sound rather silly. Nevertheless, “Love’s Not A Competition, But I’m Winning” brings back some seriousness to the album.
Softer electronic sounds fill the air as acoustic guitar strumming begins to lead Wilson’s vocals. Kaiser Chiefs’ softer side is something to cherish. Few British bands in the last couple of years have been able to achieve such a harmonic balance from edgy guitar rock and electronically-induced soft rock.
“Thank You Very Much,” the next track on Yours Truly, Angry Mob brings listeners back up to speed and back to some of the ear candy called Kaiser Chiefs.
“And there’s nothing, nothing, nothing, I can do” is just another example of the unique vocal style. Edgy guitars complement the lyrics with something that all types of audiences can enjoy. “I Can Do It Without You” changes tone with a sound that nearly emulates that of 80s legend R.E.M.
The pop-based lyrics, though, are enjoyable and still unique enough to justify the similarities between Kaiser Chiefs and R.E.M. The song even features a progessive guitar riff like none other before. All types of fans are sure to be pleased.
The band’s second single, “Everything is Average” isn’t as infectious as the the first single, “Ruby” but is worthy of radio play. The song is a mix between 50s melodies and 90’s rock and another pick on the album.
“Try Your Best,” one of the final tracks on the album, is another soft hit that sounds oddly similar to Pink Floyd, but has the Oasis-style of guitar soloing that fans can’t deny.
“Retirement” ironically finishes the album with a bang and gives listeners a nice sound to remember as they finish what could be one of the coolest albums of the year.
Yours Truly, Angry Mob is an nice followup to Employment and worth the money. Old and new fans will be pleased.
