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Kasabian
The West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
RCA
out June 5th
[66]
[Rating Scale]
[rating:66/100]
Right off the bat: my favorite part about The West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (other than it being named after a mental institution) is the eclectic mix of sounds that make the album, while maintaining a consistent overall feel. As I write this I groan at the overuse of the word “eclectic” (at least I didn’t say “epic”), but I feel it rather appropriate in this case. The album flows like a journey from a dark London club to uncharted territories. It’ll make you move, sway and sweat. In other words, there is bound to be at least a song or two that everyone can enjoy on this album.
Album opener begins with heavily distorted electric guitar and a challenge: “Kill me if you dare.” The following track, “Where Did All the Love Go?” is where the moving and swaying really begins. But it’s “Swarfiga,” an instrumental song that sounds like background music to a haunted maze, that makes you realize just what a roller coaster ride this album is. Hang tight though, it gets fun…
“Vlad the Impaler,” the band’s first single is by far the most dance inducing song on the album. “Get loose! Get loose!” shouts Meighan, and the crowd goes wild. The music video looks like Quentin Tarantino’s wet dream with a good amount of running, screaming, and well, impaling! Kasabian really make a statement with this album: they’re here to stay and they’re going to get you to like them.
Personally, I still recall the first time I heard Kasabian (don’t ask why because I can’t even tell you), but they never really stuck with me. The energy of this album is hard to ignore though and they’re beginning to garner some real attention. It’s by no means the most “original” album, but if I were to review every album based on that criteria we’d have some pathetic scores now wouldn’t we?
It’s arguable that Kasabian might be trying too hard to please everyone with this album, which isn’t to mean that it’s by any means “mainstream.” On “Take Aim,” the band resorts to acoustics, and if it wasn’t for the overly nasally vocals during the verses, it might be one of the better tracks on the album. But whatever the sound or style of the song, Kasabian allow themselves to really display their influences and shatter any preconceived notions that they weren’t made to last. Out of the way Oasis, Kasabian is taking the reins from here on out.
To enter to win a copy of Kasabian’s West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, leave a comment with your thoughts on the tracks you’ve just sampled, or (if you’ve listened to it) the album. Make sure you leave your name/email address in the provided fields! Entries will be accepted until July 5th
Tags: Kasabian
I started bumpin “Vlad the Impaler” when it dropped a while back and I love it! Can’t wait to pick up the whole album…
top rate album
I think they took a bit of a gamble, but it’s paid off
almost all of the songs are stand out for me, except l&g which is a bit boring for me.
first half of the album in partiular is incredible – underdog fire and fast fuse especially are quality
also can’t get the lyric ‘kill me if you dare, hold my head up everywhere’ out of my head!
I’m normally skeptical when it comes to listening to an album based on one or two singles/tracks I’ve heard out and about (Fire and Fast Fuse respectively). But I decided to play the album from the start so as not to ruin the experience. I was right to do so, the opening riff on Underdog set the tone for a cool, slick and relaxed listen. It’s the perfect album to chill to. An upgrade in my opinion on Empire. And a well deserved UK number 1.
Fave’ Track – Fire.
Empire was a step back from their debut so I haven’t made time to listen to this yet, I would love to though.
i like it. but the first album is still the best
Can’t get underdog out of my head and can’t wait to hear the rest of the album!
After a few more days listening to the album and an accompanying video that is pretty much amazing (pun intended) my new fave track is Vlad The Impaler.
This album has four of Kasabian’s best songs. Fast Fuse, Underdog, Fire, and Vlad the Impaler are fantastic. But they’re spread out with filler songs in between. Not a huge fan of the other stuff on the album. Where Did All The Love Go, Take Aim, and Happiness are decent album tracks but it’s still an inconsistent album.
I’ve listened to it quite a few time times over the last couple weeks, hopefully it will grow on me though I’m sure it sounds great live if those Glastonbury videos are anything to go by.