I'll admit it - I'm something of a latecomer to the Kasabian party. Up until recently, I had heard of them, but didn't think I knew any of their songs. In fact, all I knew was that they were some sort of guitar/electronica mash-up, and, to be honest, it sounded pretty weird, so I stayed away ... Read review
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Kasabian - Kasabian
While it's true that the self-titled debut from Kasabian doesn't sound particularly ... more
original, that's hardly the point. They can be forgiven because they do it so well. Their influences are obvious throughoutKasabian: "Processed Beats" is the Stone Rose...
Kasabian - Kasabian
While it's true that the self-titled debut from Kasabian doesn't sound particularly ... more
original, that's hardly the point. They can be forgiven because they do it so well. Their influences are obvious throughout Kasabian: "Processed Beats" is the Stone Ros...
more dynamite singles and a rigorously assembled debut album that straddled dancefloors and festival fields with monumental ease and a glint in its bloodshot eyes. I...
A review by jonwebb5 on Kasabian - Kasabian June 24th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Originality
Groundbreaking
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
A superb album, with swagger, great vocals, invention, clever melodies, and powerful rhythms
Disadvantages:
It took me so long to find them . . .
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I'll admit it - I'm something of a latecomer to the Kasabian party. Up until recently, I had heard of them, but didn't think I knew any of their songs. In fact, all I knew was that they were some sort of guitar/electronica mash-up, and, to be honest, it sounded pretty weird, so I stayed away from them.
It was a definitely a mistake. Since finally listening to this, Kasabian's brilliant debut album, I have been unable to put it down, and actually recognised a lot of the songs, despite believing I had never heard any of their music. The beats are infectious, the guitar melodies punky and memorable, the vocals consistently incredible, and the swagger relentless. This is a fantastic album, make no mistake - high quality from start to finish.
1) Club Foot - You might recognise it as the theme song from the movie 'Goal!' of a few years ago, but this is a superb tune. After a soft, swirling intro, the brilliant hook kicks in, and the album explodes in a supernova of attitude. The vocals drip with aggression throughout, the chorus is thumping, the melodies are surprisingly tuneful for such a powerful track, and it's a superb way to start the album. 10/10
2) Processed Beats - Less high tempo than the opener, but in place of the angry passion is an increased emphasis on tune - there are some wonderfully melodic, harmonious moments in this song. Again, the vocals are very good, and lead singer Tom Meighan almost raps his way through the track. The drums are particularly good on the second track of the album, and it's no surprise that the band chose to release this as a single. 9/10
3) Reason is Treason - The first three tracks of this album are consistently superb, with this the best of the lot. A relentless pounding rhythm backs up an energy that it's impossible not to be swept up in. The lyrics seem a little non-sensical, but every other aspect of this song is fantastic. 10/10
4) I.D. - The first half of this song is nothing more complicated than an electronic, slightly soulless melody over a drum beat, which, surprisingly, grows into a fairly decent song. Slower paced than those before it, the melody eventually grows into something with an ethereal quality to it, and is strangely enchanting. It's a bold track that serves to set Kasabian apart from the crowd, because they were brave enough to try something a little different, and largely, it works. 7.5/10
5) Orange - The shortest track, at just 40-odd seconds, you wouldn't really notice it as anything more than a bit tacked onto the end of I.D., and while it does sound quite nice - a sort of choral choir softly crooning in the background - I don't really see why it needs to be on here as a separate track. It doesn't hurt the album, as such, but doesn't really fit the tracklisting either, because it isn't a fully fledged song, and it's down to this that I'm not rating it - it can't really be compared to the rest of the album. It's nice enough, though.
6) LSF (Lost Souls Forever) - One of the stand-out tracks on the album, bringing back the power and energy of the opening trio. The catchy, punchy rhythm slowly builds, eventually blossoming into a glorious chorus. Attitude in abundance, another great vocal performance, top quality melody - an all round great track. 10/10
7) Running Battle - Similar to I.D. in the fact that it has a slower pace. It sounds quite haunting in places, and the subtle melodies frame the excellent vocals of Meighan. Again, I'm not overly sure about the lyrics, although they're far from terrible. It serves the album well by breaking up the more energetic tracks, preventing them from becoming overwhelming, and is a good song in it's own right - the two solos on this track are both excellent. 8/10
8) Test Transmission - One of the more electronic tracks on the album, and, perhaps because of this, it doesn't have the energy of some of the other tracks. The chorus is still very good, though, with a clapped beat and tuneful melody. It's by no means a bad song, but doesn't stand out in the way that some of the others do. 7/10
9) Pinch Roller - Another shorter track, although longer than 'Orange' by roughly 30 seconds. Again, I won't give it a rating, but I prefer 'Orange': the choir gives it a unique edge that helps it stand out, while this track is nothing more than a pleasant melody. Nice enough, and leads well into the next track.
10) Cutt Off - Another contender for the album's best track. Perhaps the best vocal performance, which is saying something, The verses are punchy, with clever lyrics, and lead into the sort of grand, majestic chorus usually the reserve of bands such as 'Elbow'. A truly brilliant track, with a well-executed change of pace in the middle, passionate singing, and beautiful melodies. Superb. 10/10
11) Butcher Blues - One of the album's slowest, longest songs. The vocals are distant and detached, the melodies subtle and relaxed, and the percussion excellent. It never really livens up, which makes it a slight anti-climax, as it gives the impression of building towards something. I quite like it, but it's definitely one of the weaker tracks. 6.5/10
12) Ovary Stripe - An instrumental track, which, normally, I wouldn't like, but this is an excellent example. Clever melodies build up on top of one another, and a variety of instruments are used. It fits together well, and the harmony gives it a sense of energy you wouldn't expect with Meighan absent. A nice surprise. 8/10
13) U-Boat - A haunting track, with soft and gentle, yet sad, melodies and another superb vocal display. Acoustic guitars make a rare appearance, and while Meighan's vocals still have the detached quality of a few tracks ago, it works much better here. A beautiful, dreamy track. 8.5/10
Hidden Track) Reason is Treason - I think this may be the demo, or simply an alternative version of one of the best songs on the album, but either way, I'm glad they included it. Hidden at the end of Track 13, there are a few differences to the excellent original, and it allows the album to go out with the bang that you can tell the band wanted.
Kasabian's debut is an excellent album, and, since it is now selling for a fiver, it's worth getting hold of it. The vocals are excellent throughout, the songwriting imaginative and clever, the melodies catchy and absorbing. This is a band with two vital ingredients; energy and inventiveness. They are bold enough to carry out their ideas, and, for the most part, it works well. The passion of the band comes across well, and the swagger is very endearing. I really like this album, and can't wait to explore the band's other work. I hope you'll join me, if you're not already there.
Advantages: Impresive Debut, Return of the Indie glory days Disadvantages: None that I can think Of
...for big things but with Kasabian it’s hard to argue against them.
This debut album came about after the band all moved into a Leicestershire farm house together and began recording. The result is quite an impressive debut album that draws heavily on influences such as The Stone Roses and Oasis. In fact you can hear in a number of songs that The Roses were certainly a big impact on the banc musically. I can’t help but wonder if they were still going ... ...That’s enough of the what ifs though. Kasabain unleashed this debut album on the world on September 6th and instantly it seemed they would have a hit on their hands. The singles had received a lot of air play and L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever) was being talked about by Indie fans everywhere. The songs are all written in house by Lead and Rhythm guitarists Christopher Karloff and Sergio Pizzorno, who also writes all the lyrics and takes on the lead vocals.
...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Best new British band since Muse Disadvantages: Needs a few listens to really understand and enjoy
Here's a fact; Kasabian are the best and most exciting new British band since Muse emerged in 1999. So you see straight away which side my bread's buttered on! This is exciting stuff, and i defy you to say otherwise. I struggle to think of the explanations behind the poor reviews. These are probably the kind of people who think Linkin Park are a groundbreaking act.
Okay, this sort of music has been attempted before, but not to such awesome effect. ... ...colours to the mast again, Kasabian are the most exciting new British band since Muse. I strongly advise you to check out this album, and their quirky b-sides, recent and readily available everywhere. Their appeal is in their constant twists and turns, direction changes and layers of instruments, swirling psychedelia with a large dollop of funk and indie sensibilities.
But most of all, Kasabian are dark, brooding and mysterious. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Plenty of mood, plenty of groove. Intensely atmospheric. Disadvantages: Too much like the Stone Roses. Slightly samey and pretentious- too much electronic wizardry.
...of acclaim and hype that Kasabian have recently in the British press. They are currently all over the national air-waves as well as regular appearances on music television on the back of an indie revival sparker by the likes of Snow Patrol, Keane and Coldplay. Kasabian seem to have become a ‘trendy’ band to a certain extent, all the ‘cool’ kids like them. This popularity is perhaps surprising when considering that their sound is heavily influenced ... ...musically, Kasabian sound like the Stone Roses at their best- killer melodies, danceable beats and a distinctly ‘northern’ vocal accent. Many of the songs are bass-driven, with an array of synth and electronic sounds to add edge, depth and atmosphere. Lyrically, comparisons can be drawn to another indie big-hitter, Oasis- the words are punchy, often rhyme, repeat and appear to have no meaning- though it sounds ‘good’; “I’m on it, get on it, the troops ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Very cool electro-funky sound Disadvantages: A little samey
This was one of the CD's I got for Chrimbo this/last/whichever year and... well, I was listening pretty much solidly for a week. The songs are great, If a little samey, and you could/will listen for days.
Right, the songs.
#1:Club Foot
With no intro, the album starts straight into this, the band's second single. With a repeated guitar riff and some funky drumming after a mysterious, queit start, the album starts well, combining Indie-rock with ... ...This song is a great example of the band's diversity of style, with a very funky base riff throught the song, backed up by twangy guitar and some truly in spired lyrics("I break bones stealin' mobile phones" anyone!) lead to one of my faveroute tracks on the album.
#3:Reason Is Treason
The third track on the album that has been given a single release. The bands debuet single doesn't dissapoint. Faster than the first two tracks, and with one minute ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Excellent album holds its own amongst 2004's greats Disadvantages: Some rather odd tracks
Kasabian are a four-piece from Leicester, in the UK. This, their self-titled debut album, is a contender for "Album of 2004", which is saying something, because that was also the year in which the brilliant Hopes and Fears (Keane), Antics (Interpol) and Hot Fuss (Killers) were released, amongst others. Definitely a class year, and yet Kasabian fits straight in.
The opening track, Club Foot is a good harbinger for the album. It's really difficult ... ...to the overall feeling that Kasabian are in fact great song constructors, with a proven ability to use changes of pace and style to emphasise a song's virtues rather than as a cynical extension device.
Later on in the disc, things start to become really interesting. There are some "interlude" tracks, such as Track 6, Orange that seem not to really serve any purpose. It's not as if they change the mood or the pace, since the follower is in keeping ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Great addition to any CD collection Disadvantages: Does not live up to the hype their first album produced
...It has been a long time since I wrote review so I hope this goes alight. Lets just cut to the chase. I thought I would hark back to one of my favourite type of reviews, the album review.
Since I last lurked the halls of Ciao I have become interested in the new wave of bands. The likes of The Feeling, Keane and Scissor Sisters are reviews that I no doubt will do in the coming months but for this review Kasabian's latest offering Empire will provide the viewer with written joy.
~ Brief history ~
Kasabian first hit the big time with the album Kasabian (wonder how long it took to think that up) released September 2004 and is the bands first general release album. The singles Reason is Treason, Club Foot, L.S.F (Lost Souls Forever), Processed beast and Cutt Off may be familiar to some. It is because of the music being used in...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Very catchy upbeat songs. Disadvantages: None
...Kenna) - Originally by Ryan Adams - 3:32
Sounds a bit like a a hippy song but it is quite good. Funky i would call it.
10.The Only One I Know (featuring Robbie Williams) - Originally by The Charlatans - 3:59
Not a bad song but Robbies vocals are a little too quiet for me.
11. Diversion - 1:19
12. L.S.F. (featuring Kasabian) - Originally by Kasabian - 3:30
Good finish to the album. A good upbeat track.
13. Outversion - 1:50
This album was released on 16th April 2007 and has been a great success. Overall, the album has spent 45 weeks in the UK Top 75, with 10 weeks in the top 10. In December 2007, the album was certified double platinum in the UK for sales of over 600,000 copies.
I loved this album so much and even took my husband to watch his first ever UK version gig in Plymouth on 14th feb 2008 for his birthday...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: It put's a smile on your face as the opening song suggests Disadvantages: None
...was good before wait until you here this version.
Track 13 LSF by Kasabian featuring Kasabian is another outstanding song, it has a real Happy Mondays feel about it and you can almost picture Bez dancing around on stage.
Lilly Allen (who I am not the biggest fan of) sings Kaiser Cheifs 'oh my god' (again a band I am not that keen on) so you can imagine that I wasn't expecting big things from this song but I was definately proved wrong. Her voice fits this song perfectly and no one else could quite do it the same, this just proves Mark's genious when it comes to track and artist choices. This is one of my favourites on the album, it has toned down the original giving it a more pleasent calming feel but with just as much edge as before. Touche Mark.
The last one I will mention is track 8 'Pretty Green's' the reason I mention this...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Label / Distributor: RCA / Sony Music/Arvato Services
Engineer: Barny
Producer: Kasabian
Pieces in Set: 1
Studio / Live: Studio
Format: Performer
EAN: 828766383829
Additional notes
Album Notes: Self-titled debut album from Leicester born quartet Kasabian. With their mix of rock guitars and dance beats, the band have been compared to the likes of Primal Scream, The Cooper Temple Clause and Happy Mondays. The singles 'Processed Beats' and 'LSF' are included.
Titles on disc 1
1.: Club Foot
2.: Processed Beats
3.: Reason Is Treason
4.: ID
5.: Orange (interlude)
6.: LSF (Lost Souls Forever)
7.: Running Battle
8.: Test Transmission
9.: Pinch Roller (interlude)
10.: Cutt Off
11.: Butcher Blues
12.: Ovary Stripe
13.: U Boat
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Listed on Ciao since : 15/09/2004
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