Review:

on 2009-08-05 Archelon Said:

After two great albums, Kasabian set themselves a hard act to follow. They've hit that stage of their career where they are expected to either start exploring themselves and their sound or churn out another 'more-of-the-same' album, and both of these could lose them a lot of support. Not to mention that this album is also a concept (as if the title didn't give THAT away.)

This third album impresses me though, not just for the mix of sounds but also the more political, 'for the fans' approach. They are still more than capable of letting go some excellent catchy stadium fillers with tracks like 'Fast Fuse' and 'Fire', but manage to not make these flat. 'Fire', in fact, has been an equal sensation amongst teeny boppers and hardcore indie fans, which is indeed a rare thing.

The album is also complemented by some slower, more kooky tracks like 'Ladies and Gentlemen (Roll The Dice)' and 'Happiness' and some more of what we have come to expect from Kasabian's electro-rock sound. There's trippy guitar riffs and edgy vocals. Oddly, there's also a gospel choir and some lo-fi drumming thrown in, which is not such a familiar combo.

There are certainly a lot of bands out there that couldn't pull this off, and Kasabian do sabotage themselves just a little with some dodgy lyrics and 'rock's greatest' throwbacks (the gospel choir, for instance.) This short-sightedness is something that will get right on some people's tits; there is not way of getting around that.

However, for those willing to overlook rock snobbery and simply see this as a passionate, enthusiastic offering, it's very enjoyable. If you can't overlook it, buy the singles.
Rating: 7/10