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Rating: THE REVIEW
It is undeniable that the English music scene is experiencing, for better or worse, a very interesting period. The new wave has produced many bands capable of impressing with impactful singles and good debut albums, aided by the exponential spread of the Internet.
The major drawbacks are:
- seeming like assembly line bands, imitators of Strokes and Libertines.
- at the moment of confirmation (the fabled second album), they lose their way.
This is not the case for Kasabian. The guys from Leicester have made musical non-conformity their creed. While vintage dominates, they reintroduce electronics associated with rock, in the manner of the Madchester sound. And they have confirmed themselves as a great band. "Empire," their second album, is indeed in the vein of their debut album (Kasabian from 2004), but each track exudes passion and energy.
The start is explosive, the title track takes us through Arabic atmospheres and sharp lyrics. Then it takes flight with "Shoot The Runner" (the intro greatly resembles Oh La La by Goldfrapp) and "Last Trip (In The Flight)", more oriental seductions with "Me Plus One". We then arrive at the most "hypnotic" and catchy track of the album "Sun, Rise, Light, Flies", which will surely be a single. After the dive into "Apnoea" (1:46 of pure electronics), here comes another strong point of the album, first the crescendo of "By My Side", then the successor of I.D., "Stuntman", which excites and convinces. When it seems like Kasabian have given their all, the finale surprises. Two gems: the acoustic "British Legion", where Meighan's voice almost sounds like Bob Dylan's, and the final refrain recalls the Oasis-like atmospheres of "SOTSOG", and the spectacular "The Doberman", an exciting piece that also offers a sensational trumpet solo.
In this musical landscape of fickle and evanescent stars, I recommend having a reference point, Kasabian can be more so than Arctic Monkeys and co.
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Summary by Bot
Kasabian's second album, Empire, confirms their status as a great band by blending vintage rock with electronic elements reminiscent of the Madchester sound. The album is energetic and passionate throughout, with standout tracks like the title track, Shoot The Runner, and British Legion. Unlike many contemporary bands, Kasabian avoids typical imitation and delivers a unique musical identity. The review highly recommends Empire as a solid reference point amid a rapidly changing music scene.
Kasabian
Kasabian are an English rock band from Leicester, known for blending rock with electronic and psychedelic elements. Sergio Pizzorno has been their main songwriter, and after Tom Meighan’s departure the band continued with Pizzorno as frontman.26 Reviews
Other reviews
By principles
Empire presents itself as an album quite varied, lasts 39 minutes, and gives off a lot of energy while being really well packaged.
Short, direct and strong songs, really strong! An album that might become a real masterpiece over the years.
By Torre Ste
The record begins immediately with the title track and it becomes clear that the band has taken another musical direction.
With this work, Kasabian position themselves as one of the most important English bands today.
By GrantNicholas
If they wanted to surprise, they (mostly) succeeded; if they were aiming for a masterpiece, no such luck.
In terms of originality, the very flat Albion music scene owes something to these four guys.
