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.
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Advantages: Plenty of mood, plenty of groove. Intensely atmospheric. Disadvantages: Too much like the Stone Roses. Slightly samey and pretentious- too much electronic wizardry.
thomlafferty 04.10.2004 (04.10.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Kasabian - Kasabian
Advantages: Plenty of mood, plenty of groove. Intensely atmospheric. Disadvantages: Too much like the Stone Roses. Slightly samey and pretentious- too much electronic wizardry.
thomlafferty 04.10.2004 (04.10.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Kasabian - Kasabian
Jun 24th, 2009
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