by S. Graveson

Created on: November 23, 2010

Kaiser Chiefs burst onto the scene in 2005 with the huge and brilliant “Employment” album, and despite having been formed almost a decade earlier they still managed to have a fresh sound that combined catchy vocal hooks with indie rock guitar riffs and left you chanting along with them. With tracks like “Oh My God” the band made a very quick impact into the British music scene and their following grew quickly form their home city of Leeds to that of a national sensation. Although the British charts started to get flooded with similar sounding “guitar lead indie rock” the band stood out for their fun lyrics and energetic style.

Following on from “Employment” the band showed a significant drop in quality in the difficult second album, the 2007 release “Yours Truly, Angry Mob”, which although showed glimpses of the bands debut showed more signs of a band wanting to grow up too soon. The hit “Ruby” was the major light in the album whilst the rest was pretty unmemorable on the whole and the bands momentum was slowed.

In 2008 the band recorded and released “Off With Their Heads” which peaked at #2 in the UK (equalling the highest place of “Employment”, and standing 1 chart place behind “Yours Truly, Angry Mob”) and contained 10 tracks. The band, lead by vocalist Ricky Wilson also includes Andrew White on guitar, Simon Rix on Bass, Nick Raines on the Keyboard and Nick Hodgson on drums as well a host of studio musicians and a few special guests.

The album opens with “Spanish Metal” a throw back to the bands fun days that quickly allows you to remember what the band once were. Although the song depends on heavier musical sounds than their early work the vocal delivery will have you tapping your toes at points though not as much as the albums brilliant second track. “Never Miss a Beat”, which charted at #5 in the UK featured Lily Allen doing backing vocals and the hugely acclaimed producer Mark Ronson behind it's production. The track is a complete throw back to when the band broke through, quick sharp lines with fun emanating through them that carry the track. It's a great example of fun being a more important part to a good track than flat out talent.

The fun continues into the album with the anthem-like “Like It Too Much”, which although not quite as fun is brilliant to listen to and with some clever lyrics that just sound wonderful

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