Kaiser Chiefs - Employment

The first time I heard the song "I Predict A Riot" on the radio I was so knocked out I just had to know who exactly this new band were. This five piece from Leeds had their own club night called Pigs and cherubic looking frontman Ricky Wilson's outgoing nature and cheeky demeanour mark him out as the indie Robbie Williams (Ed: Not quite sure on this one Nick). The follow up singles "Oh My God" and The Wedding Present sounding title of "Everyday I Love You Less And Less" removed any doubts this vibrant band were one hit wonders.

Their eagerly anticipated debut album "Employment" will be the icing on the cake for the seemingly unstoppable Kaiser Chiefs, who've even started making waves in the States after wowing the Yanks at the SXSW festival. I often find that the debut albums of versatile bands can be the sound of genius being born and this platitude fits The Kaiser Chiefs like a glove.

"Modern Way" reveals that these Leeds lads are rather keen on Blur circa "The Great Escape". Wilson's voice veers towards Damon Albarns, but with a northern drawl. The comparisons don't end there. The slow mannered pace is very English in thebest traditions of the Kinks with the harmonies taking me back to the Britpop days of 1995. This is a well crafted song which displays a sensitive side to the band. It also has distinct feel of the calmer moments of Pulp.

"You Can Have It All" has that mellow piano sound and subtle synths that you'd normally associate with Athlete. The lyrics explore the rich tapestries of everyday life with optimism. Wilson has a romantic view of the world and has a jovial, summery feeling which on occassions is in the same league as Madness. Another good pop song from Kaiser Chiefs which is simple, but effective

"Saturday Night" begins with the familiar souns of a revved up endgine on this Fall-esque paean. "I Wanna Be Like Those Guys" Ricky sings as he pleads to become a member of a gang. You can almost smell the danger on this punk tinged track which becomes a love letter for the weak. Most reminiscent of vintage T Rex. "Caroline, Yes" puts the sin into sinister on this indie style power ballad mixing smooth sounding guitars with edgy synth flourishes and the confident arrangement of the George Marting produced work of the Beatles.

"Employment" has a range of style from a band who are still obviously in love with music. You can't deny the fevered enthusiasm that's been invested into these twelve tracks and there isn't a filler in sight.

Nicholas Paul Godkin

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