Kasabian is the latest in England's new wave of Radiohead influenced bands (Read as: Coldplay, Cooper Temple Clause, Keane, etc.). This is their debut for RCA Records and while on the surface there is not much to pique your attention, there is certainly a lot more to this band than you would be tempted to think. For once the music truly does speak for itself. While it may be the success of Radiohead that got Kasabian's music to the states, it's their odd approach and creativity that will keep them here.
The band's debut is a heavily electronic record full of strong grooves and interesting acoustic pieces. Sound confusing? Sometimes it is. Songs like "Club Foot" and "I.D." could have easily been on U2's Pop album (provided said album was remixed to hear the vocals). The album gently grooves through a series of house style electronics but through it all the songs remain the focus. Unlike many bands that blend electronic and organic elements Kasabian never seems to lose sight of the melody that makes the song unique. Songs like "L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever)" and "Cutt Off" take a more direct route, bringing to mind bands like Killers and Franz Ferdinand but never quite sounding like them.
This is a tremendously interesting album that people looking for something creative and different but still accessible will definitely want to check out. While not every song is great, and none of them will get you drooling all over yourself, there are a lot of things to love about this band. This is certainly a band to watch, they could be a contender.
3.5/4
