Half-written plagiarisms

(Morning Star, Friday 25 August 2006)

ALBUM: Kasabian - Empire
(Columbia)

THE rock world loves a band who walks the walk and talks the talk.

Liam Gallagher? A voice rougher than a badger's behind, but he loves himself, so he's a winner.

Bono? An eejit who got a lucky break at 18 and has a God complex at 45. But so loved!

Kasabian? Well, they are very confident and people do seem to like them. Now hear this.

There is more than enough good music out there without regressing to listening to this nu-baggy nonsense or whatever it is.

Take the single, Empire. The most astounding thing is the bizarre half-tune that kicks in after verse one. It's not quite in tune and completely sends the rest of the rhythm out of whack.

After three party-time singles, one might have been persuaded to have a positive reaction. What foolishness.

Empire is an album speckled with half-written plagiarisms and overplayed dirges, specifically Stuntman and the abomination which is British Legion.

Here's what to do. Go to your local record store. Buy the Stone Roses debut album.

Dance your rocks off, baby, because Kasabian will never outdo this magic.