CORPORATE LINE: Sometimes the greatest success stories sprout from the tiniest of ambitions. When Kaiser Chiefs formed up in not-so-sunny Leeds, England around the summer of 2003, their aim was not to conquer stadiums and change the world. Instead, these five oddballs began plotting a rather more modest plan.
In the shadowy corners of clubs and venues across the city Ricky Wilson (lead vocals, owner of stylish blue and orange suit), Andrew “Whitey” White (guitar), Simon Rix (bass), Nick “Peanut” Baines (keyboards and modeller of impressive pork-pie hats) and Nick Hodgson (drums and vocals) decided to form a band that would harness the awesome capability of being able to, erm, blag an early slot at their hometown Leeds Festival. Impressive, eh? They achieved it without breaking sweat, naturally, but with it came a whole lot more. 18 months down the line and the boys have gatecrashed the UK singles charts, laid waste to huge crowds as far away as Moscow, played triumphant support slots with Franz Ferdinand, made waves at US radio and signed to Universal Records.
THE GREAT:
“I Predict A Riot” – I predict that the Kaiser Chiefs might be the next punk band from England to take America by storm. It’s not impossible—no one would have believed that the Clash would have such an impact.
“Modern Way” – Sometimes those things that are infectious need no definition.
THE AVERAGE:
“Everyday I Love You Less and Less” – This is a damn fine break up song… what says I don’t want to be with you more than “I’ve got to get this message to the press/ That everyday I love you less and less”?
“Born To Be A Dancer” – An exceedingly hooky pop song on par with “Na Na Na Na Naa.”
“Caroline, Yes” – An ode to the brilliant Brian Wilson.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Kaiser Chiefs can stir up a riot. Most of the record invokes the old-school style of punk or pop and not the more modern pop-punk ala Sum 41. Kaiser Chiefs have taken over Europe and will see to it that America falls head over heels.
+ Rae Gun
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