Just one year after "Yours Truly, Angry Mob", the Kaiser Chiefs try again with "Off With Their Heads". This time, however, the approach is different: the album is not as immediate as the previous two but requires more listens to be appreciated.
The production, entrusted to Mark Ronson and Eliot James, has renewed their sound while trying to reprise the indie-dance floor vibe of "Employment". "Spanish Metal" presents an atypical structure, not having a chorus for the first time, but it constitutes the ideal intro, the forerunner of "Never Miss A Beat", a very catchy first single. It is followed by the anthemic "Like It Too Much" where the innovative element is the presence of strings. "You Want History" turns out to be rather dance-oriented, especially in the very electronic second part, and with "Can't Say What I Mean" the desire to get wild on the dance floor continues. It is impossible not to be infected by the cheerful melody of "Good Days Bad Days". On the contrary, "Tomato In The Rain", probably the most melancholic song, is a very relaxing piece in Beach Boys style which, as the title suggests, offers a text based on metaphors.
Space for collaborations in "Half The Truth" and the carefree "Always Happens Like That", respectively with Sway's rap and Lilly Allen's backing vocals. The album continues with "Addicted To Drugs", undoubtedly one of the most catchy songs thanks to the massive dose of percussion used, finally ending with the ballad "Remember You're A Girl" in which drummer Nick Hodgson takes on the vocals again.
The title is taken from the third line of the third song of their third album, superstition?
Oh yes, they never miss a beat.
The Chiefs brilliantly demonstrate that they’ve recaptured the verve that had so impressed in their excellent debut Employment.
It’s a breath of fresh air, containing very fresh sounds following those of the somewhat heavy ‘Yours Truly Angry Mob.’
The Kaiser Chiefs aren’t Blur, but they imitate them terribly well… I therefore recommend this album to those looking for a new ‘Parklife’ or ‘The Great Escape.’