Kasabian - The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009)

Kasabian are a neo-psychedelic indie electro rock band formed in 1999 in Leicester England. Their music has been compared to the likes Primal Scream, Oasis, and the Stone Roses, and the band is credited as one of the major pioneers of the Indie rock revival of the mid to late 00', especially in the UK. Their first 2 albums were pretty revolutionary and amazing, but unfortunately The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum is slightly less impressive. It's not a bad album, but it's a safe one, and it's missing a certain oomph and energy that is one of the most loved elements of Kasabian's music.

There's not much to say about this album, it's actually pretty standard. I'd say it sounds like what a regular songwriter would come up with if they were held at gunpoint and told to come up with what they thought would sound like a Kasabian album. It's mostly bland, with hints of attitude that seem more sparse and serendipitous than intentional, and there’s nothing even close to resembling the next “Club Foot” or “Shoot the Runner”.

BUT, I’m sure that experiencing tracks from TWRPLA in a live context would change mind somewhat (like it has previously). So from a different perspective, and by using my imagination, I can see what Kasabian are TRYING to do, and I dig it. But I reckon it’s time for a new producer.

50/50.

Track listing:

1. Underdog
2. Where Did All The Love Go?
3. Swarfiga
4. Fast Fuse
5. Take Aim
6. Thick As Thieves
7. West Ryder/Silver Bullet (feat. Rosario Dawson
8. Vlad The Impaler (Alt Link)
9. Ladies & Gentlemen (Roll The Dice)
10. Secret Alphabets
11. Fire (Alt Link)
12. Happiness

Cheers, thanks a lot,

Viv.