Kasabian - Manchester Apollo - 26.04.05

This is the third of three consecutive sold out nights at Manchester Apollo for Leicester's Kasabian. Considering that this time last year hardly anyone had heard of them it's an outstanding achievement. To go from tiny venues and supporting bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to playing the biggest venues of their career is what rock n roll dreams are made of. Musically a throwback to the Madchester era with the cocksure swaggering arrogance of the Roses, the dirty sleazy beats of Primal Scream and the drug addled references to 60s psychedelia all mixed with a devilish delight in causing as much mayhem as they can possibly muster.

Tom Meighan is a skinny, scruffy but mesmerizing frontman who lives, breathes and believes in the power of rock n roll. He's a natural born leader with an amazing voice which is more obvious live than on the album. Serge Pizzorno is detached yet focused as guitarist and synthmeister who attracted the attention of Kate Moss (Ed: Hasn't everyone) and became a source of tabloid gossip in the process. Women love him, men want to be him and his Italian heritage make him irresistible.

The atmosphere is elevated by a mind-blowing strobing headf**k which makes Kasabian look as good as they sound. The crowd in ecstasy, soaking up the vibes like human sponges, celebrating the sense of occasion and having the time of their lives. It's been a while since a band has captured the heart and soul of the nation like this band have. The singles like the anthemic "Processed Beats" and "Club Foot" are some of the best tracks of the past two years, as are "L.S.I" and the less well known "The Stunt Man". The more subdued and reflective songs may lack the energy and urgency of the hedonistic euphoric club bangers, but it's good to see different layers to a band who are known for non-stop parties.

Kasabian dominate proceedings with a performance of sheer magnitude and effortless brilliance who connect so deeply with the audience that for some it would be akin to a religious experience.

Nicholas Paul Godkin
Photos: Karen McBride www.karenmcbride.com

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