A solid album, but not much of a progression from their previous two (West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum - Kasabian)

Member Name: Benjammar

Product:	West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum - Kasabian
Date:	29/06/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 12 strong songs that are all worth a listen to

Disadvantages: Lacks the punch and impact the previous albums had

For me, this was the make or break album for Kasabian. I'm a big fan of their first two albums, i thought they had a unique sound and were very catchy. They were upbeat with a nice tempo and some cracking songs across the two albums. I had high hopes for this album, i thought there was some steady progression from Kasabian album to Empire and i was hoping for a similar level of progression here. Sadly that development never came in my eyes

First off, the track list:

1. Underdog
2. Where Did All the Love Go?
3. Swarfiga
4. Fast Fuse
5. Take Aim"
6. Thick As Thieves
7. West Ryder Silver Bullet
8. Vlad the Impaler
9. Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll the Dice
10. Secret Alphabets
11. Fire
12. Happiness

I really wanted to like this album but as soon as I heard the first song my hopes started to fade. Their previous albums started with Clubfoot and Empire, both songs were in your face and really set the tone for the rest of the album. Sadly Underdog doesn't do this at all. Underdog is one of the more popular songs from the album and don't get me wrong, it is a good song but it lacks the opening punch an album needs. I was praying that this song wasn't an example of the rest of the album, sadly things didn't improve.

There are some good songs on this album, Fast Fuse and Fire have already been identified as fan favorites but there are no fantastic songs if you ask me. Nothing particular stands out on this album, nothing leaps out into your face. Comparing it to Empire which had Empire, By My Side, Stuntman, and The Doberman as the big hits (Amongst other good songs) I don't feel this album has anything special.

I might come across as strict or harsh on this album so I should clarify; West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is a good album and worth a listen but it is no better then the previous two. The style of Kasabian has changed and I do believe change is a good thing after a while because it's easy to overdo one type of music. However I don't think this change was for the better. The album is more laid back and taken at a slightly slower pace, some will enjoy this and I do get the feeling a lot of people will be over the moon with album. It is still very likeable music and in the right time and place this album is very fitting.

My only definite gripe is with the voice of Tom Meighan, he starts the album well but gradually I feel his voice was lacking towards the end. His singing almost sounds lazy, as if he wasn't putting the effort in. It's a real shame because he was on top form for the last 2 albums but hear he's not quite on top form I feel.

Summary

I might be a tad overcritical on this album but that's because I was hoping Kasabian would improve on Empire and take the band to the next level. A successful album here could really cement Kasabian in the music world but it never happened. For me, it lacks the bite and ferocity of the previous albums however plenty out there will thoroughly enjoy this album. I can't write this review without mentioning that West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum is one of the weirdest names for an album out there.

Should you buy this album?

If you`re a fan of Kasabian I do recommend this album, it's definitely worth a listen and the different sound to the album will appeal to many. Fire has been released as a single from the album so if you`re not sure what to do, get a copy of this first or give it a listen to on the radio. If you`re not a fan of Kasabian I don't think this album will change your opinion on them, stay clear if this is the case.

Summary: A good 3rd album from Kasabian but a lot of people will be dissapointed