WEEKEND VIDEO
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Kasabian
“Fire”
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
2009
iTunes
UK band Kasabian take a broader approach on their third studio album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Best known as purveyors of frenetic electronic-infused indie rock, the band take a much more diverse path on the new record. Sure, songs like “Vlad the Impaler” and the flaring “Fire” provide the electro-jam we’ve come to expect from Kasabian, but there is far more to this album. From the outset of the album opener, the funky groove “Underdog,” it’s obvious the band have undertaken to become musical chameleons a la Primal Scream. The band shifts effortlessly from danceable numbers like “Where Did All the Love Go?” and “Fast Fuse” to jazzy instrumental (“Swarfiga”) to mellow ’60s-influenced pop noir (“Secret Alphabet”). The quartet even strip things down for us. “Thick As Thieves” is a sleazy minimalist waltz, while the band gets really mellow on “Ladies and Gentlemen.” Most surprising, and most effective, is the album closer “Happiness.” Kasabian seem to channel Spiritualized for the soulful gospel choir track. The third album is often a crossroads for a band. Kasabian have chosen wisely to explore different avenues and expand their musical landscape while at the same time staying true to their roots. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum bodes well for the future of Kasabian.