This Monday marks a pivotal time for British indie-rock group the Kaiser Chiefs. With the release of their fifth EP, “Education, Education, Education & War,” the future will reveal whether the absence of a founding member has resulted in an album that surpasses all their others or if it leaves fans grasping for past familiarity.

In 2012, the controversial loss of founding member and drummer Nick Hodgson, the group’s principal songwriter, sent unforeseeable shockwaves through the group that affected the entire dynamic of Kaiser Chiefs. Many in the music scene wondered how the group would fare. For the critics who predicted that the pressure would be too much, this EP provides enough bite to silence them.

After a pivotal transition that resulted in the hiring of a new drummer, the group, with 10 years of experience and three Brit awards under their belt, refused to look back. They set off for Atlanta, Ga., and recorded in the studio under the guidance of producer Ben H. Allen III. The involvement of Allen III, who has produced the likes of alternative band Deer Hunter and hip-hop artist Gnarls Barkley, is a sign of the band’s decision to further their creative expansion by moving away from producers they have worked with in the past.

The album “Education, Education, Education & War” gets its name in part from a speech given by Tony Blair, the then aspiring British prime minister, in which he emphasized “education, education, education” as the primary component to Britain’s advancement.

The themes of education, social reform and war are reflected through several of the tracks. But War is especially emphasized in “Bows and Arrows.” The chorus lyrics, “We the people, created equal,” speak to the desire of freedom and equality.  The animated introduction, which states, “It’s always you and me when the whip comes round, it’s always you and me, we’re bows and arrows,” uses the symbolism to illustrate how war reduces humankind to mere weaponry.

“Coming Home” was the first single released. Fans of the Kaiser Chiefs will recognize the slow-but-sure introduction, in which the guitars take center stage. This antagonized building of tension until lead singer Rick Wilson starts crooning is common practice for the Chiefs, found in two of their most popular songs, “Ruby” and “I Predict a Riot.”

Where “Coming Home” splits from two past hits can be seen in the vocal development of Wilson in both depth and range, and this track paves the way for the rest of the album. This single is the start that Kaiser Chiefs needs to present a more mature, cohesive sound than exhibited in their past two albums, “Souvenir” and “The Future is Medieval.” “Factory Gates” and “Misery Company” are as unpredictable as they are dynamic. Both songs reflect the angst and maturity of the band’s sound and testify to their track record. Several comparisons have been made to Depeche Mode, but the Kaiser Chiefs’ own unique sound comes across in these two standout tracks. The instrumentals of these songs, coupled with the unique throaty singing of Wilson, give them an authentic but edgy sound.

Perhaps the most musically-charged song from the album is “Ruffians on Parade.” The sinister wailing at the beginning and the angry, near-feverish pace of the lyrics provides a much needed resolution to the steadiness of  “Coming Home.” With a stylish and melodic instrumental reminiscent of the Black Keys, the Kaiser Chiefs exert their musical prowess in the British alternative rock scene once again. Go ahead and try to resist, but it is impossible not to tap your feet along to the beat. This song will drag you along until you catch yourself humming the tune under your breath.

“Education, Education, Education & War” is just the sort of musical artistry that the Kaiser Chiefs needed, not only to prove their resilience, but to testify to their continued hard work and future potential.
The release of the fifth album incorporates some of the familiarity that constitutes their already well-known identity, and a versatility that will attract new fans as well. For the current fan base of the Kaiser Chiefs, change is definitely positive.