KASABIAN | LIVE REVIEW
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Sun 23 Nov
Kasabian are a band that has largely passed me by, but nonetheless piqued my interest with their dance-rock fusion of an eponymous debut album back in 2004. In the 10 years since, they have firmly established their rock credentials whilst at the same time dividing opinion. There is no denying that they perfectly fill the void left by Oasis in terms of attitude, swagger and producing guitar music for the masses. Their anthems are big, brash and unashamed, something they make no apologies for. This (perhaps unfairly) makes them an easy target for those looking for something more cerebral; 2014, however, has been their year. After paying their dues working their way up the line-ups of many festivals, they finally took their place headlining the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.
Tonight finds Kasabian in Cardiff playing a sold-out show as part of their UK arena tour. As if proof were needed of their mainstream appeal, you only had to look at the crowd to realise they are far more than a lads’ band. From middle-aged couples to teenage girls, it’s clear their fanbase is wide.
They do not disappoint as they deliver anthem after anthem. The chemistry between Kasabian’s two most recognizable members, vocalist Tom Meighan and guitarist Serge Pizzorno, is obvious: barely a song goes by without Tom stalking the stage and making his way over to Serge to share a glance, a touch, or a joke. They genuinely seem to be enjoying themselves. It’s at moments like this you forget they are rock stars, and feel more like your mates.
The visuals impressed and were very effective in places with slogans/images intermittently displayed on their LED backdrop. About halfway through they are accompanied by a string quartet (dressed as skeletons) which compliments their sonic assault. A perfectly placed “iechyd da” from Tom further seals the deal between audience and band. Tom leaves the stage several times throughout to give Serge the opportunity to take centre stage; for other bands this could be a risk, but here it totally makes sense, adding another dimension to their performance.
As expected, it’s the heavy hitters in quick succession that barely leaves room to draw breath garnering the biggest responses: Empire, Fir and Vlad The Impaler are all dispatched within an inch of their lives. Another highlight is new song Stevie, which carries echoes of New Order. As 5,000 or so fans bounce/crowd surf/sing in unison to the final song of the night, a mashup of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You and their own LSF, it’s obvious Kasabian won, and won big, tonight.
words KEVIN PICK photos ERNESTO ROGATA
