By Samuel Rubenfeld
Great size does not always translate into greatness. Neither do overt attempts to try and outdo a debut record – a malady best known as the sophomore slump.
Kasabian seems to be a band that very much wants music to return to the ‘druggy’ era of the 80’s when baggy pants, dance clubs and the like ruled. However, the band suffers from two problems on their sophomore record, Empire: an ambition that is boundless and so is its attempt at a modern rock epic.
The band hails from Leicester, England, and the British influence is found all over the record. Kasabian directly takes from “mentors” Oasis, Primal Scream, the Stone Roses and other renowned British acts.
“Empire,” the title track, is a weak attempt to start the album. With stop-start rhythms and strange harmonies, the song falls flat. The song is also the lead single, yet has received little or no airplay.
“Apnoea” is total chaos on record, absent of any discernible melody and entirely without direction.
Highlights are few and far between but standout tracks include album closer “The Doberman,” which builds up over the course of five minutes into a noise-rock spectacle before exploding and disintegrating to the original single note guitar riff that opens the song.
“Stuntman” is a straightforward dance song, with a catchy synth track and a constant bassy sound, making it feel right at home with something like Pretty Hate Machine-era Nine Inch Nails or some of the dancier Cure songs.
