Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
You can never go wrong with an electronic infused indie band. And since that’s the sound of English rockers Kasabian, they are definitely worth more than just one listen. Kasabian, who take their name from a member of Charles Manson’s murdering clan, give us a mouthful with their third album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. The band recruited Dan the Automator to produce the album. Dan is best known for working on Gorillaz’s debut album and you can hear a similarity between the two. Kasabian weren’t lying when they said this album would have more rhythm and groove to it. Your head will already be bopping to the beat of the first track “Underdog.” The chorus is ‘I can’t get this out of my head’ catchy. It’s been days since I first listened to it and I’m still humming it. I can’t help but swag my upper torso to the beat of almost every song on this album. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is an album that makes you want to just get up and dance, especially “Fast Fuse.” Tom Meighan’s vocals are reminiscent of Noel Gallagher and are sure to make ladies swoon with that British accent. “Take Aim” screams Gorillaz in both style and vocals. If Dan the Automator didn’t inspire this one then I don’t know who did. The track is mellow and psychedelic and just plain good.
“Thick as Thieves” might throw you for a loop, but they can’t all be danceable! The song may not be as upbeat but it fits in nicely with that laidback mellow rock feel. If modern rock was brought back to the Wild West, this is what it would sound like. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is a great blend of electronic, indie, blues, and the psychedelic. Although all these different sounds are coming together, the music doesn’t jump around from style to style. The style of each track flows into the next. The hybrid genre works and makes an interesting sound that is never dull. This is an album you can still find yourself listening to ten years from now and still be blown away.
