Written by Samuel Barker
Jun 15, 2005 at 08:00 PM
ImageDespite the lack of a unique sound, easily traceable influences and a bothersome hype around the band, Kasabian fit perfectly into the dark, smoky confines of the Meridian. Just like Primal Scream, the group brought synth-rock to a non-dance audience in a way that made sense and captivated the audience.Most bands who incorporate the synth-heavy leads and dance rhythms have always been exiled to the stages of small clubs performing for those who were more interested in dropping ecstasy and dancing all night than what was happening on stage, but Kasabian has gone beyond that. With a blend of honest songwriting and structure being dropped in amongst the dance beats, the group makes something worth listening to and watching.

In the live format, the band brings a much more guitar riff heavy sound, which serves the band well in differentiating themselves from the current bands trying to reinvent the sound of bands like The Stone Roses and Primal Scream.

For this reviewer, songs like Cutt Off did more for their sound and vibe than their current singles Club Foot and LSF, which came across slow, stoned and boring. While the set was hit or miss, the overall impression was one of a band on the right path, let’s just see what the future holds before we get too excited.

ImageOpening the show was Mad Action, which is a true guitar rock band. Despite the fundamental differences in delivery, they fit well on the night. Ranging from Echo and the Bunnymen-style pop rock to 70s rock huge guitar riffs, the band left nothing to the imagination and everything on the stage.

The sad thing is that this Philadelphia based band has no domestic releases, but a full-length available as an import from England. More proof that America is really a lame place only getting worse. When one of your best power rock bands can’t get a local release, you know the end is near.

In the end, the band delivered and blew the night away. Between the two sets, the audience was given two different sounds that worked fine together. This was definitely a night worth revisiting if given the opportunity.