Kasabian, The Delta Riggs @ Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (12/08/14)
I walked in to the Eatons Hill Hotel and for a split second, thought I was late to the gig. But as I caught a glimpse of the band of stage, I realised it was The Delta Riggs, sounding remarkably like tonight’s headliners.
Frontman Elliot Hammond was a dead-ringer for Liam Gallagher, and had the confidence and swagger to back it up. Breakout hit Rah Rah Radio was loud and brash, and the near-capacity audience was lapping it up. It was a polished set from the up-and-comers, but lacked creativity and something unique to stay in the minds of the audience that only had one thing on their mind. That thing was Kasabian, the cocky, outspoken British lads who announced their arrival on stage with a pounding version of new single Bumblebee. It |
was clear from the get-go that the boys from Leicester were on top form, hitting us early with crowd favourite Shoot the Runner. Vocalist and ring-leader Tom Meighan was his usual cool and collected self, hiding behind a pair of eye-catching white shades, while Sergio Pizzorno was banging out riff after riff. Having headlined pretty much every festival back in their native England, it was refreshing to know these guys could command this 2000 capacity venue just as much.
What was even more surprising was how punchy and bright the songs off recent album 48:13 sounded and felt. The bassline and pulsating chorus of Stevie was my highlight of the night and the electro-synth styling of Treat made it feel like we were in a mini rave. But the majority of fans came for the hits, and they came thick and fast. Underdog was predictably huge, and the sing-along to Empire was among the loudest of the night. It made me realise how many great songs this band has, when tunes such as Where Did All the Love Go? are not able to be squeezed into the set.
A surprise cover of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You receiving a touching dedication to acting great Robin Williams, who had passed away earlier in the day. And customary closer LSF received a rousing reception from the up-for-it crowd. But there had to be more, the chants for the band to return were deafening. But even more deafening was the introduction of the positively pulsing bass-line of Switchblade Smiles, followed by banger Vlad the Impaler, the crowd being spurred on to “jump high than you’ve ever jumped before” and responding with renewed enthusiasm.
Kasabian proved that they will own any venue and any crowd with a truly thunderous performance. Having seen them four times live now, I can positively say that the just keep on getting better and better with age.
Sebastian Betten
What was even more surprising was how punchy and bright the songs off recent album 48:13 sounded and felt. The bassline and pulsating chorus of Stevie was my highlight of the night and the electro-synth styling of Treat made it feel like we were in a mini rave. But the majority of fans came for the hits, and they came thick and fast. Underdog was predictably huge, and the sing-along to Empire was among the loudest of the night. It made me realise how many great songs this band has, when tunes such as Where Did All the Love Go? are not able to be squeezed into the set.
A surprise cover of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You receiving a touching dedication to acting great Robin Williams, who had passed away earlier in the day. And customary closer LSF received a rousing reception from the up-for-it crowd. But there had to be more, the chants for the band to return were deafening. But even more deafening was the introduction of the positively pulsing bass-line of Switchblade Smiles, followed by banger Vlad the Impaler, the crowd being spurred on to “jump high than you’ve ever jumped before” and responding with renewed enthusiasm.
Kasabian proved that they will own any venue and any crowd with a truly thunderous performance. Having seen them four times live now, I can positively say that the just keep on getting better and better with age.
Sebastian Betten