Kasabian: West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Kasabian visit the West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
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Monday, 08, Jun 2009 09:33
Columbia/Sony, out June 8th.
In a nutshell...
Kasabian throw everything at the wall this time. Most of it sticks.
What's it all about?
In the words of Serge Pizzorno, chief protagonist of Kasabian and lead guitarist, "it's a soundtrack for an imaginary film". What kind of film can be found in the unwieldy title which hints at the arthouse, conceptual nature of this third offering. Pizzorno denies claims it's about the asylum itself, explaining the "idea of madness" is what attracted him. Lead vocalist Tom Meighan simply states: "I like the dangerous side of this band/"
The twelve tracks on this album are split into two using a diagram of moods on the back cover, harking back to the 70s era of gatefold vinyl and concept album excess. Yet this is far from self-indulgent, with taut song lengths and neat transitions between tracks.
Who's it by?
Since they burst into the national consciousness in 2003, Kasabian have been forced to refute claims they are little more than the sum of their influences. The Stone Roses, Oasis and Primal Scream are the most cited, and for a while it seemed to stick.
Meighan and Pizzorno are the Gallaghers' equal when it comes to swagger and self-belief, and somehow this led to them being seen as 'Madchester' disciples. This third long-player seems designed to raise them above such lazy claims, with an album stuffed with ideas beyond the usual icons.
As an example...
Bombast or unshakable confidence – whatever you call it, Kasabian's lyrics are designed to get your heart racing. "We are the last beatniks/The lost heretics/All my friends are sharp as razors/Cut you down if you touch the fader" is one of many threats to nameless foes uttered by Meighan on an album crammed with similarly delightful nonsense.
Likelihood of a trip to the Grammys
Kasabian would like you to think they are a band who doesn#t care about awards. Yet upon receiving best live act at the 2007 NME awards, Tom Meighan said it was "about time". With this album they're gunning for everyone.
What the others say
Nearly all critics have been fulsome in praise for the Leicester rock group's third offering.
The Independent notes: "After the patchy response duly bestowed upon the patchy Empire, Kasabian have wisely made a few changes for this much-improved follow up/"
"A barmy and beautiful epic, suggesting that Kasabian's amps are as good at 11 as they are at 4," says the Guardian, whilst Uncut offer 5 stars with "Cunningly crafted confection from the K-men."
So is it any good?
Any band which takes their name from Linda Kasabian (the young pregnant girl who drove the getaway car for Sharon Tate's killers) is one to be reckoned with. Like the shock-tactics of naming yourself Marilyn Manson, Kasabian want to get in your face right from the very start.
And their curiosity for the wilder, darker side of human nature is exhibited in this latest album from the Leicester four-piece that completely updates their signature sound. Previous album Empire seemed to split critics – some adored the bigger tunes and brash riffs, others wrote it off as hugely derivative of early 90s indie.
So with this in mind, West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum sees the band alongside Gorillaz producer Dan the Automator strike out beyond their comfort zone. Fans will be relieved to hear at this point the opener Underdo is typical Kasabian. A moment of intrigue with swirling noise, before an almighty fuzzy riff from the guitar signals a call to arms as a grin inducing backbeat joins the fray. "I'm the underdog," sings Meighan gleefully and it sounds like a mission statement.
Yet this time they go beyond the usual rabble rousing, with next track Where Did All The Love Go both danceable and genuinely introspective. Fast Fuse has a superb 60s feel as Kasabian channel their inner Kinks, whilst the closing track Happiness is as hippy as the band will come.
They haven't lost their edge though. Swarfiga is a crazy instrumental, pure beats and bassline, and no review would be complete without mentioning the online viral smash Vlad the Impaler, a hammy horror with gothic stabs and a fierce rhythm which cannot but force a smile.
And perhaps this is what West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is all about. For years certain indie bands have performed staring at their feet, shuffling out powerful music with a 'don't-care' attitude. Do believe however that Kasabian care. They’re serious about having fun.
"This country deserves a better class of rock star," bellows Serge Pizzorno, and perhaps Kasabian have returned meaning here to the last two words. The best rock music has always leant heavily on self-mythology, and with this third album Kasabian have created a compelling myth of their own.
8/10
Marcus Dubois