[Album Review] Kasabian - For Crying Out Loud

Kasabian are back with their sixth studio album and based on their first single and an album track played on the radio I thought I'd pick it up and it was a wise decision. The first full album I've heard by the band 'For Crying Out Loud' is packed with punchy energy as highlighted by the piano and drum dance work on 'Ill Ray (The King)' which goes a bit seventies in style as it reaches its peak, which a fun toe-tapping cacophany of production.

Lead single 'You're In Love with a Psycho' follows, and though it might have familiar echoes of 'Eez-eh' has enough radio friendly catchiness to stand on its own feet with a very sing-a-long poppy chorus and a funky beat.

'Twentyfourseven' lacks the distinction of the first two tracks and is much darker and grittier, and has enough balls to not feel like too much of a disappointment. 'Good Fight' is similar in tone; though it doesn't have a particular memorable chorus there is enough of interest in the song to keep you tuned in.

'Wasted' employs a funky rhythm and vocal calls to provide the hooks and once the hand clapping begins it succeeds. Second single 'Comeback Kid' brings us up to the half way point and though not as hooky as the first cut has more energy and over-the-top theatrics to draw you in alongside a stadium-friendly chorus.

There's a Western feel to the opening of 'The Party Never Ends' which ends up being the album's first slower number that passes by nicely, though Kasabian are usually on better form when going bigger, but the production work is strong. 'Are You Looking For Action' keeps the pace well, with some disco-influenced moments and a lengthy instrumental break down that pushes it past the eight minute mark, making it one of the more memorable numbers on the LP.

'All Through the Night' is a gentler number and showcases a much more stripped back production style, offering something a bit different with a smooth well composed chorus structure. A sharp click and whistles brings us to 'Sixteen Blocks' with its swaggery opening and pleasant mid-tempo development.

'Bless This Acid House', the penultimate song, is my tip for a later single thanks to its fun, glam rock feel and quirky yet catchy chorus. The album finishes on a more downbeat number, the introspective 'Put Your Life On It' which sums up the album nicely both musically and lyrically.

'For Crying Out Loud' boasts four really stand out tracks but the rest lift themselves up above filler to form a cohesive album that shines thanks to its strong production values and flow. (7/10)