Kasabian

Self-proclaimed torch-holders of Oasis' legacy, Kasabian take no small effort in making their shows seem like the best gigs in Britain even if they're not. My history with Kasabian is a tumultuous flurry of both extreme love, and extreme hatred. With their electronic experimentation on their self-titled first album these were once one of the most promising and interesting new bands on 2003's New Indie Avengers.

A couple of years later saw the release of both the incredibly dire album and single both going by the name of 'Empire'. Kasabian exploded, their popularity reached all new heights as they soared higher and higher, even direr singles such as the abominable 'Shoot the Runner' took over our charts. So what we have here is an obvious snowball; it was inevitable what was going to happen when they finally released 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum'; tentative teaser trailers of new single 'Fire' was enough to take them all the way to the "Biggest Band in Britain" status. This isn't bearing in mind what happens when the full single is released.

Sheffield Arena was clearly geared up for a gig considered Britain 'biggest', packed to the nines with a fine selection of this nation's demographic; plastic glasses of beer (or possibly piss) fly; but not too many because they've got some mellower and more contemplative material this year round.



The stage is impressive, perhaps even The Wall's stage set up impressive. Reflecting an insanity that comes with their latest release (aptly named of course) the stage is filled with interrogation lights, the kind you stare into deeply before your dentist drills your gums. Mad professor roadies (think Beaker of Muppets fame) walk on and off stage, adorned in white lab coats; each with the word 'SANE' written on the back in large red letters. One would be drawn to the conclusion that as such our mentally challenged party is supposed to be Kasabian, housed inside a video screen picture frame which seems to accentuate their concept.

And it can indeed be said that from insanity comes the greatest inspiration and art; well Kasabian are applicable to neither of these accolades however the visceral nature of this release and its themes has had a genuine effect on the band; who are now most definitely producing some of the best material of their careers so far. Their set is electric; dancing between numbers from all three of their albums they showcase and impressive array of styles; even if they do tend to favour your standard guitar rock fare found in singles such as the aforementioned 'Shoot the Runner'. Their stellar first album (where the majority of my positive thoughts for the band lie) was not left neglected either; its entire singles collection being pumped off with amazing energy and guile. A particular joy for me was to hear 'I.D.', a dark and synth laden piece of music that seemed to come completely out of the blue (considering it's relative obscurity in their catalogue).



Through all this frontman Tom Meighan is an arrogant little bastard; but the same can be said of any frontman worth his salt. I'm told to raise my hands in air at least six times (Oh sorry, Tom, should that be "Fucking hands"?), to help make a spaceship with the rest of the crowd (with the rather questionable materials of phone lights and lighters) and sing along to one of their numerous wordless refrains.

Rocky and raucous moments come thick and fast, of note especially being latest single, 'Fire' which takes on a whole new shape on stage as and absolute what I believe would be known as a 'banger' (is this the proper nomenclature? I listen to Jazz I'm afraid). Its chorus' explode on stage, the crowd becomes a fast vibrating floor moving without control on a vertical plane. Tom's own hands go in the air and take on that 'Come on the, let’s have it!' pose until no-one else in the venue can resist.

More serene moments came in the form of tracks 'Thick as Thieves' (ruined by shouts of "Hey Ho!" from the crowd at completely the wrong time) and 'Ladies and Gentlemen' dedicated to Meighan's dead great aunt. Even I, a pretentious fan of the likes of Pink Floyd and Radiohead found these more calm pieces to get in the way a little; but the were necessary diversions.

I've never had a chance to see Kasabian before, even when I used to laud them greatly at the release of their first record at festivals they always seemed to clash; if I remember rightly it was firstly with Pixies and the second time Radiohead themselves; neither of which I could pass up. However, now I've finally gotten round to the experience and I am pleased for it; in recent times I have greatly dismissed Kasabian and even I was completely won over by their performance. Lost Souls Forever indeed.

FUTURE GIGS