Velociraptor!

Artist: Kasabian
Label: Sony Music
Website: kasabian.co.uk

Kasabian has always been a band that I have tried to get into but I always have seemed to fall short on understanding the hype. Their three previous outings have suffered from a consistency standpoint so I am not sure that I expected much more from number four, Velociraptor!, but the album makes leaps and bounds since West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum [2009].

Kasabian seem much more comfortable with their eclectic beats and rock formula and never seem to stray so far that their music becomes unrecognizable. In fact, several tracks like "Days Are Forgotten" are grandiose with confidence, while the Beatlesque bounce of "La Fee Verte" works with Kasabian's style. The dance rock groove found on "Re-Wired" becomes foot tapping infectious every time the instruments pulse and the refrain kicks in, while the song combines all of the bands talents.

Velociraptor! has an excellent replay value and even though there are a few tracks that take a left turn here, the record represents their best to date and truly gets better after each spin.

Velociraptor! will still need help to break Kasabian but it is a solid piece of work that not only shows a continued growth in the group but that there is something behind all the hype this band has carried since 2004.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note