Kaiser Chiefs

In 2005, the Kaiser Chiefs appeared on the scene with one of the most exciting and engaging singles of the year, "I Predict a Riot," which achieved chart success in the UK and even cracked the Modern Rock top 40 (whatever that is) in the States. It was, alas, another fantastic song that just couldn't be sliced to fit neatly into any corporate radio format in the U.S. The fact that this happens many times annually, with great songs skyrocketing to the top of the charts in the UK, while being buried stateside, (and the implications regarding the industry's influence in taste on opposite sides of the Atlantic) is perhaps better explored fully in a separate article.

While "I Predict a Riot" , a perfect marriage of 60's Invasion and 80's punk, is indeed a fabulous song, the rest of the debut album, Employment, is a mixed bag. Well-played songs and well-crafted lyrics are recurring threads, but the music is just varied enough in sound and style to make for a challenging listen.

In 2007, the Kaiser Chiefs (named after a South African soccer team), returned with their sophomore effort, Yours Truly, Angry Mob. This talented quintet, based in Leeds, England, and playing together with their current moniker since 2003, do not disappoint. The first track, (and first single), "Ruby", is powerful, infectious pop, with a shout-along chorus. The Chiefs marry post-punk and melodic pop sensibilites, a rare combination that only talented musicians could pull off so well and with such intensity. And the intensity never lets up, even when the tempo slows.

Most of the songs are up-tempo rockers, led by "Heat Dies Down", "Thank You Very Much", and "Everything Is Average Nowadays", and one attractive ballad with a title Morrissey would be proud of: "Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning)". The band members (consisting of Nick Hodgson, drums and backing vocals; Simon Rix, bass; Nick "Peanut" Baines, keyboards; Andrew White, guitar; and Ricky Wilson, lead vocals,) have grown both as songwriters and musicians, and it shows on every song. Producer Stephen Street has created a consistent and engaging sound that makes for a solid playthrough with no tedious filler.

In a time when almost all music is derivative in some form, the Chiefs at times seem to deliberately evoke thoughts of other bands, but they do so without ever sounding like copycats. Indeed, few bands in this day and age could reference the Who, the Kinks, the Ramones, (and even the Smiths) in the span of one short album, while sounding fresh and exciting.

Look for the Kaiser Chiefs to tour extensively in the summer of 2007, with some stateside appearances in the fall. And check out their excellent website, one of the best sites for a newer band you are likely to encounter: kaiserchiefs.co.uk

In the song "I Can Do It Without You," Ricky Wilson sings "if you've got nothing that's clever to say, nobody's listening to you anyway." The Kaiser Chiefs have plenty of clever things to say; here's hoping that many will listen, and like what they hear.

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