Video: Kasabian, ‘Bumblebee’

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On heels of a Glastonbury headlining set and building toward next week’s release of their seventh album, Kasabian has invaded the U.S. with a new direction and plenty of noise. At the heart of the band are songwriter-guitarist-producer Sergio Pizzorno and his bromantic partner, lead singer Tom Meighan, with bassist Chris Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews and new touring guitarist Tim Carter rounding out the lineup. The U.K. darlings’ previous four albums – including 2009’s Mercury Prize-nominated “West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum” – have cemented their place in the lineage of Brit-rock and now “48:13” (named for the album’s running time) attempts to update the band’s sound for these bombastic electronic times. The album features strange and seemingly unnecessary instrumental interludes, but “48:13” possesses undeniable energy and a groove that can win over American ears, infatuated as they are with EDM. The first single, “Eez–eh,” will surely draw a crowd to their tour, which is where they truly shine. Pizzorno had electro pioneer Giorgio Moroder (who once referred to 120bpm as a “magic tempo”) in mind when he wroted “Eez-eh.” He also found it creates a natural rhythm for jumping – ideal for a live show. Is this a revelation? No, but when the crowd hears that song, their feet get seduced into moving. It can’t be avoided. It’s science. “48:13” could have some fat trimmed, sure, but we like a little fat in America. Other highlights, including “Bumblebee” and “Treat,” urge the most irksome of snobs to let their guard down and enjoy. It’s best not to overthink this one.

– Jessica Shalvoy

||| Stream: “Eez-eh”

||| Live: Kasabian headlines the Wiltern on Oct. 8.

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