Kasabian
Kasabian
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For $8.48

I came away from Kasabian's self-titled debut album a bit perplexed. They haven't quite perfected their brand of bass-driven, stoner-dance-indie rock. Individually, these many elements work. They don't combine all of these elements to make a great album here. But, you can envision their next album getting there.

The songs are mostly well done and they incorporate electronics into their music with more skill and verve than most. But, this album just teases the listener with flashes of greatness. You're never truly wowed by what you're hearing and you almost never think, "Wow, I really want to listen to this song again." It has a few very good songs, and the rest comes across as filler. It starts to drag and as you near the middle of the album, and you won't be ridiculed for wondering, "Haven't I heard this song already?"

Kasabian is definitely bass-driven, and this is one of the high points of their songs. Almost every song is fueled by a pounding beat and a phenomenal bassline by Chris Karloff and Chris Edwards who trade off bass duties.

The album starts off with a couple of very good tracks. “Club Foot” has a nice riff by lead guitarist Sergio Pizzorno and a driving, hypnotic beat. It pretty much represents what Kasabian is all about - danceable indie rock. They're almost like Snow Patrol with a dash of electronica-fueled-Stone Roses. “Processed Beats” is an indie rock song buried beneath a wave of riffs and beats. It's carried by a great bassline and a rare catchy chorus. But, you realize even on Kasabian's better songs, you can't help but feel only moderately entertained.

Their potential, however, is shown on the trio of tracks, "L.S.F.", "Butcher Blues", and "Ovary Stripe." “L.S.F.” combines their dance and pop sensibilities the best, while “Butcher Blues” pushes the electronics to the background with good results and "Ovary Stripe" is a superb instrumental. These three songs embody the best aspects of the band (bass, layered sounds, good riffs and driving beats).

So, what makes me so unenthusiastic about their debut? For one thing, they lack a great sense of melody. But, the songs are upbeat and danceable and for the most part pretty fun.

It had so much potential, but seemed to lack the "it" factor. Some bands have it and some don't. Like I said, Kasabian sounds like a mix of Snow Patrol and The Stone Roses. On their next album they have to somehow find that "it" factor. On their next album they need to sound like Kasabian.

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