Gig review: Kasabian, M.E.N 12/12/2014

I have seen Kasabian live many times, at small venues, medium venues and festivals and everytime they put on a good show.

They are one of the few bands that in recent years have shown they are in it for the long term, successful album followed by successful album and sell out tour followed by sell out tour.

I have been a fan of theirs since their debut album was released and wowed the music scene, more so as those were the days when I was completely obsessed with indie rock music and thought boys with guitars was the best thing to exist (it's still a pretty good duo).

Nonetheless, I hadn't really listened to much of the latest release 48:13 except for the singles such as 'Eez-eh", which on 1st listen I was a bit disappointed with, but after catching it on radio play, it grew on me and now is definitely a tune that'd get me in the mood for partying.

I was also a bit dubious about seeing them at such a large venue as the MEN; except for festivals I try to avoid big venues - I once saw Florence and the Machine at the NEC Birmingham and although Florence was still amazing, even her voice seemed to get a bit lost. I was even more dubious when my friend informed me we had seated tickets, as a rule I always make sure I'm standing.

All my pessimism aside, the gig ended up being the most fun, every person in the seated seats was standing the whole way through singing and dancing and the atmosphere filled the whole of the MEN eez-eh. Each song sounded like an indie anthem and although the old stuff was still the best stuff the songs off the new album were still crowd pleasers. The best moment actually came when the band performed a cover of the great Fat Boy Slim tune 'Praise You', pure excellence.

Overall, the gig just showed to everyone in attendance (including the slight doubters like me) that Kasabian have still got it, and some.


(keeping the Manchester crowd even happier with a Corrie reference:)

Gig Review: Temples, The Ritz, Manchester 06/12/2014

Firstly, lead singer James has the best hair ever, well since Marc Bolan at least, that is important information itself, you can't beat good hair.

Temples formed in 2012, so they are still quite a new band, they have released their 1st album in February his year - "Sun Structures" and gradually they seem to be getting musical recognition - supposedly Johnny Marr and Noel G are fans and unsurprisingly really when you listen to them - it's like stepping into a time machine and arriving at a summer festival in the 60s. Ahh bliss. 

I'd listened to their album quite a bit over the summer but hadn't seen them live before so the Ritz being the great venue seemed to be a good choice. But, while watching them perform I did feel their music would be a bit better suited to a small stage at a festival in the height of summer with flowers in their hair (see, back to the great hair again), however, it was still a really enjoyable gig. 

The gig did make me realise eve more though, that the band overall, without sounding too critical aren't particularly original, or bringing something new to music, nevetheless, they are bringing that nice feel of 60s vibes back into the modern day, so who am I to complain?

The songs with special strength are : 'Keep in the Dark' and 'Shelter song', if you haven't heard Temples before than begin with those. 

Ones things for sure they are a crowd pleaser, easy listening and fun to watch.

Might even get my hair permed now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99U9-zRHXf0