Kaiser Chiefs - Duck

The Chiefs are back with their seventh album, the randomly titled 'Duck', an LP that feels like it returns to the classic sound of their earlier albums, abandoning the more electronic-vibe of 'Stay Together', whilst keeping the strong production of 'Education, Education, Education and War', arguably the best of the set. With some retro flavours and plenty of catchy radio-friendly hooks this should keep the fans very happy.

'Duck' opens with the catchy second single 'People Know How To Love One Another' and though its chorus is pretty straight-forward the repetition does allow the hook to build, and the persistent drum beat drives it forward, with a break down that sounds like it is going to be great live. It's a strong album opener that sets out the stall for what's to come, with a foot-stamping big number, and establishes the influences of the Beatles that percolates through the album.

'Golden Oldie' harks back to 'Employment' in its lyrical style with another strong catchy chorus, and the recognisably retro production style. Track three 'Wait' boasts a brassy backing track, cool distorted vocals, and is the most sixties-sounding on the album until references to Stacey Solomon and clickbait showcase its gentle ribbing of modern culture. 

Track four 'Target Market' is one of the album's slower numbers, once more mixing modern and old-fashioned references, this time comparing relationships to a marketing meeting, all wrapped up in a gentle light production. The sub-3-minute 'Don't Just Stand There, Do Something' has the feeling of a popular and quirky live-favourite, throwing in references to some potential everyday situations with a fun, fast-paced poetic and visual delivery and the chantable titular chorus, plus the most abrupt ending to a song you can imagine. Imagine a 'Guilty Conscience' for the pop generation.

Lead single 'Record Collection' evokes the spirit of the bass-line from Queen's 'Radio Ga Ga' and the rhythm of 'Oops Upside Your Head' to most resemble their previous album. A strange one on first listen, the heavy production, rap-like delivery and singable chorus all work together. It's a bit over-egged at times like they're throwing the complete toolbox of effects at the wall but it feels like a successful experiment.

The album takes a little downhill turn at this point. 'The Only Ones' has a strong chorus but it feels a little bland after the energy of the previous track and comes across like a second attempt at 'Target Market'. 'Lucky Shirt' is a little better, with a smoother, gentler vibe and a cool series of synth lines that add some spark, but lyrically it's forgettable outside of the gambling-referencing building chorus.

Whereas many albums would taper out by this point, 'Duck' throws out some hard-hitters in its dying ten-minutes. 'Electric Heart', with its multi-layered vocal effects and the 'She's electric' hook next to some comparative lyrics, adds some care back into the process. This track, though, leads into the double-punch of the album's best two tracks.

The best song on 'Duck' is the quirky, funny and catchy in equal measure 'Northern Holiday' which builds up throughout its opening minute to paint a vivid picture of summer whilst reaching the very singable chorus with a big smile. Packed full of throwback references this is an absolute joy and is the album's true ear-worm; I can easily listen to this on a loop.

The party continues and wraps up 'Kurt Vs Frasier (The Battle For Seattle)' which keeps the references coming. With a jaunty swagger of a back-line the bridge and chorus work together to be a great little sing-a-long to bring 'Duck' to its 'Hey Jude'-esque conclusion.

The Kaisers' new album won't win over their detractors but that's no the point. It's unashamedly retro and kitsch in parts but does channel their earlier successes. If you want to hear some catchy, fun and outright poppy songs that will bring a happy smile to your face then you can't go far wrong with 'Duck'. (7.5/10)

Record Store Day 2019: Our Picks

Record Store Day is an annual day where local and independent record stores get a selection of exclusive vinyls to encourage music lovers and listeners to support their nearest small record store rather than the big hitters or online retailers.

Obviously in a year when HMV has been struggling due to online music consumption and other sources of music, the divide between the chains and the independents is no longer so clear cut.

Taking place this year on Saturday 13th April you can discover the whole list online but we've picked our selection of what we have our eyes on.

If you've got your own picks, why not share them down in the comments?

Fatboy Slim Right Here Right Now
12″ yellow vinyl, die-cut sleeve

Norman Cook's classic 1999 song, the one with that history lesson in its music video, gets a 20-year reissue on yellow vinyl. Includes some fun remixes and a brand new track from Mr Slim himself. Click here to find out more.

iDKHOW - 1981 Extended Play EP
12''

Featuring the incredible 'Do It All The Time' as the closing track of this six-song EP, this rock duo from Salt Lake City fused electronic, indie and quirky pop on that single, and there's much to enjoy on the other songs as well. Click here to find out more.

Kaiser Chiefs Oh My God
vinyl EP 7" 45 rpm

The original version of the Kaiser Chiefs classic was release back in May 2004 on CD but has not seen the light of day since. Drag your passport before the EU borders close with this much sought after 7-inch. Click here to find out more.

Keane Disconnected / Sovereign Light Café
Green 7″ Single

Dave Fridmann has created new versions of these two songs from the band's fourth album 'Strangeland'. 'Sovereign Light Café' is one of our favourite songs from their canon, and we look forward to hearing these tweaked editions. The vinyl, on green, comes with exclusive artwork and a digital download card for those who want to keep the physical release perfect. Click here to find out more.

KT Tunstall - Extra Wax
7''

We are big fans of Tunstall's recent 'Wax' album and the chance to own more is great. Including an exclusive cover, and two tracks from the album's deluxe edition, we want to grab this one!

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody / I’m In Love With My Car
7” Single – Coloured Vinyl

A delightfully coloured vinyl, there are some strong extras on this recreation of the classic a-side and the, er, memorable b-side. Click here to find out more.

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Picture Disc
2LP – Picture Discs

We're not going to hide the fact that we're a big fan of the movie from the end of 2018 and a chance to own the soundtrack on vinyl, including the Live Aid set, is not one to be missed. Click here to find out more.

Top 100 of 2016 (Part 9)

We're nearly there as we reach the top 20!

20 Elle King - Good Girls (Released: June)

19 Bright Light Bright Light feat Elton John - All in the Name (Released: July)

18 Bastille - Good Grief (Released: July)

17 Florrie - Real Love (Released: February)

16 Everywhere - Some Other Dude (Released: July)

15 Hannah Trigwell - Another Beautiful Mistake (Released: April)

14 The Shires - Beats To Your Rhythm (Released: July)

13 Kaiser Chiefs - Hole In My Soul (Released: October)

12 Rat Boy - Move (Released: January)

11 Christine and the Queens - Tilted (Released: January)

Kaiser Chiefs – Stay Together

It was always going to be difficult for the Kaiser Chiefs to follow up their excellent ‘Education, Education, Education and War’ album, arguably their best LP yet and an incredible concept album without a duff track. For their sixth album the band have experienced their most radical departure yet, forgoing their familiar hook-based indie style for a much more pop-club vibe mixing up the sound of Girls Aloud with the Pet Shop Boys, in a style change that suits them but takes a bit of getting used to.

Almost titular opening ‘We Stay Together’ starts in a confusing manner as if the producer has accidentally missed off the first few seconds of the song, but picks up once the main musical hook comes into place to create a catchy, up-tempo opening number that sets the mood for the rest of the album. The electronic riff and production effect that makes up the start proper is well produced and suits Ricky’s voice, and once we get to the chorus the familiar energy and hooks of the band are clearly still all present and correct, and there are plenty of sing-a-long moments in this potential live-favourite especially the ‘And there’s a light on’ moment. Even a surprise backing vocal appearance by a Macy Gray sound-a-like (Sarah Thompson) adds to the moment.

After this new opener we get the two singles we’ve heard so far. ‘Hole In My Soul’, up next, is my favourite of the two. Relentlessly up-tempo and with a big and dance-y, chorus it’s hard not to be won over by its bombastic approach, huge production vibe, the strings and building drums, and karaoke feel, and feels like the best mix of the old Kaiser Chiefs sound with the new Xenomania one.

Debut single ‘Parachute’ is similar. I remember on first listen struggling with the change in direction but now, several months on, it’s easy to be whipped up by the building riffs and production and though it’s still a little over-powering compared to their previous material the poppier vibe suits them and the catchiness is still there, even if it’s closer to Girls Aloud’s ‘Untouchable’ than the band will probably care to admit.

So how does the rest of the album fair? ‘Good Clean Fun’ is a foot-tapping mid-tempo song with a fun pop-dance vibe and a solid chorus, even if plentiful references to sex feels like a weird subject matter for the band. Sounding most like something from their debut album, there’s also a surprising ska and reggae feel to the track.

From here the album takes a bit of a dip. The relentless drumming, autotune and lack of any real hook make ‘Why Do You Do It For Me?’ a little on the average side, though the chorus does grow and show its colours by the end and the electronic breakdown is something fresh, though it just feels too over-powering and over-loud.

‘Indoor Firework’ continues the feel of auto tune and stronger electronic focus and though the chorus has its moments the rest of the tracks feels a little scattergun and the song leans too much towards the filler side.

‘Press Rewind’ begins with what sounds like an ode to William Shatner and is the most Pet Shop Boys on the album and weirdly, though it’s the least Kaiser Chiefs sounding number on the album is actually better than the previous tracks, its soaring chorus, quirky rhyming lyrics, vocal cut-aways and extended instrumentals offer something that’s more dedicated to the cause.

‘Happen In A Heartbeat’ switches back to the over-loud, over-produced, simplistic club tunes and is pretty skippable, quickly outstaying it’s welcome. But at least that’s better than ‘High Society’, the worst track on the album with Ricky singing in a weird semi-falsetto and clipped vocals that make him sound like he’s impersonating a chicken. There’s something a little addictive about the style and swagger but it’s a tricky listen and a little too off-the-wall for my personal tastes.

‘Sunday Morning’ is almost as weird but is a much better listen with a fun, obscure vibe with Ricky’s accent making for something a bit different. It’s not great, but you can admire the style.

Official closer ‘Still Waiting’ is a better ender with a soaring chorus and a stronger familiar feel, and ties things together well, drifting off in a strong fashion.

We are then treated to a bonus track which kicks off with some gritty electronic drums but it’s not a really noteworthy track lyrically, with only its unusual production of note and Ricky’s attempt at sounding like Dire Straits, putting on yet another unusual accent.

In a nutshell ‘Stay Together’ is a mostly successful change of musical direction, but only when the songs keep a foot in both camps on the two singles and the opener, or doing something more drastic like on ‘Press Rewind’. Elsewhere the album feels distinctly over-produced and over-whelming, and most importantly very un-Kaiser Chiefy and the second half is a sharp decline in enjoyment.

There’s enough here to enjoy as a catchy, hooky album and it’s an experiment that has sort of paid off – and I admire their balls in doing it - but I hope it’s a return to their tried and tested formula next time.

(6/10)

Top 50 of 2016 So Far

As we are now well past the half-way point of the year, here is our current countdown of the best 50 songs of the year so far, as chosen by KBPS!

50 Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better (3rd June)
49 The Allergies feat. Andy Cooper - Rock Rock (25th March)
48 Jamie Lynn Spears - Sleepover (24th June)
47 Lola Coca - GQ (22nd April)
46 April Towers - Silent Fever (8th April)
45 Louise Aubrie - Winter Delour (21st January)
44 Skyler feat. Snoop Dogg - Fire (29th January)
43 Sia feat. Sean Paul - Cheap Thrills (11th February)
42 Richard Ashcroft - This Is How It Feels (1st March)
41 Coldplay - Up&Up (16th May)

40 Frances - Say It Again (30th June)
39 Justin Timberlake - Can’t Stop the Feeling (6th May)
38 Pink - Just Like Fire (16th April)
37 twenty one pilots: Heathens (21st June)
36 Taylor Swift - Out Of The Woods (12th January)
35 Josef Salvat - Paradise (8th January)
34 Rick Astley - Angels On My Side (9th June)
33 Busted - Coming Home (3rd May)
32 Holly Johnson - Ascension (18th March)
31 Hannah Trigwell - Another Beautiful Mistake (15th April)

30 Dagny - Backbeat (6th May)
29 Will Joseph Cook - Girls Like Me (12th February)
28 Walk the Moon - Work This Body (12th February)
27 Teddybears feat. Gorilla Zoe - Best You Ever Had (8th January)
26 Tegan and Sara - Boyfriend (7th April)
25 MIAMIGO - Everyone I Know (18th March)
24 Kirsty Churchill - Who You Gonna Call? (16th March)
23 Juno im Park feat. Hannah Trigwell - Never Gonna Give You Up (28th July)
22 Axwell Λ Ingrosso feat. Pharrell Williams - Dream Bigger (6th May)
21 Elle King - Good Girls (3rd June)

20 Florrie - Real Love (5th February)
19 Jazz Mino - Suffocate (24th June)
18 Ward Thomas - Guilty Flowers (29th July)
17 Christine and the Queens - Tilted (26th February)
16 Tiggs Da Author feat. Lady Leshurr - Run (12th January)
15 Zara Larsson - Lush Life (15th January)
14 DNCE - Cake By The Ocean (14th March)
13 Bright Light Bright Light feat. Elton John - All In The Name (1st July 2016)
12 Bastille - Good Grief (17th June)
11 Rat Boy - Move (12th January)

10 Tom Odell - Magnetised (15th April)

9 Kaiser Chiefs - Parachute (20th June)

8 Gwen Stefani - Make Me Like You (13th February)

7 Nina Nesbitt - Chewing Gum (11th January)

6 The Shires - Beats To Your Rhythm (29th July)

5 The Strumbellas - Spirits (11th January)

4 Aurora - Conqueror (11th March)

3 Elle King - America’s Sweetheart (22nd April)

2 Glass Animals - Life Itself (18th May)

1 Travis - Magnificent Time (22nd March)

What do you think of our selection? Post your comments below and we'll follow them up in our next edition!

We did ask a few of our fellow music lovers and there was love for some in our Top 50 including DNCE's 'Cake By The Ocean', Sia's 'Cheap Thrills' and Bastille's 'Good Grief' and lots for 'Tilted' by Christine and the Queens.

For the rockier amongst you we had votes for Raise Your Horns - Amon Amarth; Master of the Land - Grand Magus, Suckerpuch - Delain (which got multiple recommendations) and Born to Die - Black Stone Cherry, and Sia made another appearance this time with 'Unstoppable'. 

Jake Bugg appeared with 'On My Own' alongside Twenty One Pilots and 'Stressed Out', plus the collaboration between Mumford + Baaba Maa. Elsewhere was 'Once Again' by Mad Clown and Kim Na Young, Ruth B with 'Lost Boy' plus JME's 'The Very Best' and the eccentrically titled 'Party Metal' by Footprints In The Custard. 

So even you don't like many in my selection here are some more choices for you to check out!

Kaiser Chiefs return with new single, album, live date

Leeds band Kaiser Chiefs have released a new single online which is available to download now for 99 of your British pennies, or nothing if you pre-order the album on certain websites. You can hear their new single here.



The single, the first cut from their upcoming sixth album, is certainly a change in direction for the band. Produced by Brian Higgins, known for his work for Girls Aloud and Xenomania the single is certainly dancier than we've ever heard from the band. Here at KBPS we were initially unsure about it but after a few days of listens it's certainly growing on us. It perhaps lack the indie flavour of their big singles and 2014's 'Education, Education, Education and War' album (our favourite of their LPs) but the catchiness is still there, but it could prove quite divisive in terms of sound, sounding more David Guetta than Kaiser Chiefs.

The band's sixth album 'Stay Together' is due out on Friday 7th October and doesn't feature last year's non-album release 'Falling Awake'.

The expected track listing is:

• We Stay Together
• Hole In My Soul
• Parachute
• Good Clean Fun
• Why Do You Do It To Me?
• Indoor Firework
• Press Rewind
• Happen In A Heartbeat
• High Society
• Sunday Morning
• Still Waiting

The band are also performing live in July at the London Palladium and you can pre-order the album now in various flavours from their website.