 Kasabian |
 Mew |
 Kasabian |
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Story and photos by Andy Argyrakis Two years ago Kasabian became an instant craze in the U.K. thanks to its dance/rock amalgamations that mirrored the hypothetical mixtures of Oasis or Happy Mondays with Primal Scream or The Chemical Brothers. In America, the group automatically scored a mini-legion of fans from the hype and the group's self-titled debut sold respectably leading to a Lollapalooza 2005 slot and opening spot on Oasis' Don't Believe the Truth tour. Locally, the Lollapalooza date was especially the rage, though due to the day's blistering heat and the band's afternoon set, it was largely met with critical indifference and understandable lethargy. Thankfully that wasn't the case the latest time around at Metro as the guys who named themselves after Charles Manson's famed getaway driver rose to the occasion for a solid outing of fist pumping dissonance and decadence.The Leicester chaps are touring behind the brand new Empire album, which takes cues from its influences of the first go around with elements that are at times especially epic and sometimes more electronic. All interest pools were on display throughout the evening thanks to charismatic singer Tom Meighan, who was amped up at all times and convincingly delivered. Of course he and the band spent much of the performance on Empire, turning in blistering back breakers like "Shoot the Runner," the title track and "Stuntman," while showcasing blossoming Brit-rock swells of "By My Side." But the group was able to weave in its pulsating inclinations with just as much effectiveness come the dance floor packers "Reason Is Treason" and "Club Foot," which could also be compared to fellow new schoolers The Killers or The Rapture. While the group hasn't exactly had a runaway single from either album that's truly translated into a household hit, its fans were incredibly receptive and packed in to nearly sold out capacity. Like many modern day indie rockers, Kasabian has capitalized on the positive press and word of mouth attention, while concentrating on a compelling concert experience that's likely to quickly graduate beyond club level. And for anyone who was unsure if the band would amount to much after last year's lackluster Lollapalooza performance, the gang has indeed risen to reputable heights worth exploring on future trips through town. Openers Mew have also earned an underground reputation as of late and are currently celebrating the fresh release And the Glass Handed Kites. Similar to the headliners, the group likes its share of alternative rock n' roll (The Pixies, Dinosaur Jr.) with dreamy pop fetishes (The Cure, My Bloody Valentine). The Danish bred-band was a little hard to understand at first given its abrupt switch out between styles (including tips of slightly scattered prog rock) but eventually settled in as a diverse and pleasurably perplexing journey. Though tunes like "Special" and "The Zookeeper's Boy" won't likely find their way toward mainstream appreciation, they possessed experimental merit suitable for any left of center music lovers with an affinity for either 90s indie rock or dreamy space cases. |
 Mew |
 Kasabian |