West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Kasabian's new album is a pretty bold statement from the fourpiece from Leicester. After the success of their debut and its 2006 follow up 'Empire,' Kasabian have seen themselves propel from being the next big thing to one of the finest bands of their generation. Led by songwriter and guitarist Sergio Pizzorno and his drug-fuelled rambling lyrics, the band are currently supporting Oasis on their Dig Out Your Soul world tour after finishing a brief tour of the United Kingdom themselves.

The album begins with 'Underdog,' a classic Kasabian anthem that focuses on synthesisers and the excessive use of guitar effects. An instant hit with the fans, it echoes 'Club Foot' from the band's eponymous debut album. 'Where Did All The Love Go?' follows; a psychadelic hit that is to be released as a future single. The musical madness that is 'Swarfiga' is the third track on the album, before introducing 'Fast Fuse,' a song featured on FIFA 09 and released as part of an EP in 2008. A fast-tempoed track that features exaggerated vocals in the style of Liam Gallagher by Tom Meighan, 'Fast Fuse' features heavily distorted guitars and a driving bassline and is already a favourite amongst fans of the band.

A solid opening quartet is followed by 'Take Aim' and 'Thick as Thieves;' both melancholic tunes that offer a start contrast to the electronica of 'West Ryder/Silver Bullet,' a duet with American singer and actress Rosario Dawson, with an introduction that announces that 'there will be Emus in the zone' as a 'maniac busies himself with his electronic graffiti.'

Track 8 is the outrageously brilliant 'Vlad The Impaler,' a groove-inspired song that describes social discrimination. The first single from the album, the song invites us to 'Get loose' and is based around a distorted bassline and drumbeat. The sad 'Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll the Dice' follows, which is possibly the best song on the album, and features a heartfelt vocal performance from Meighan. 'Secret Alphabets' and the wonderful 'Happiness' (which features backing vocals from a gospel choir) sandwich 'Fire,' a song that has been A-Listed by many radio stations, hitting number 3 on the UK Singles Charts, and is established as a firm fan's favourite.

The album itself is not too far from being a masterpiece, and arguably one of the best records of the year. If you are a fan of the band's previous albums, you'll be impressed by their ability to maintain yet expand on their typical sound, whilst also catering for fans of other genres with groove-inspired material. A great record for the summer - go and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

4 stars

[Wxgba 306]

I quite like the album. It's pretty good.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

What are you favourite songs on it mate? I love Vlad the Impaler and Roll the Dice, personally.

[Wxgba 306]

'Underdog' and 'Thick As Thieves' are my personal favourites.

[Manson17 0]

I LOVE this album sooo much, I would give it 4 1/2 out of 5

I just love pretty much every song on this album. Fast Fuse and Underdog are my favs though =)

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Yeah, its certainly a massive leap in the right direction for the band. I have to say that the songs I didn't initially like have grown on me really fast as well