Album Review: 48:13 by Kasabian

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Kasabian release album worthy of headline slot at Glastonbury

Ten years after the release of their self-titled debut album, Kasabian are set to return the UK album chart with 48:13.

48:13 (named after the album’s running time) is Kasabian’s fifth studio album and follows Velociraptor! released in 2011. Produced by Sergio Pizzorno, the album marks a ‘new language’ for Kasabian, combining electronic and hip hop elements with boisterous rock & roll numbers and semi-psychedelic sounds.

The album opens with (shiva), a one minute instrumental track which leads seamlessly into Bumblebeee, a catchy electronic rock number with a crashing chorus that is bound to get the crowd jumping at Glastonbury. Doomsday is also equally catchy with its fast ska-pop beat and chant-along chorus.

Kasabian-AlbumFans of electronic and fragmented dance textures should check out Explodes with its sub-bass wub-wubs and an analogue melody that is reminiscent of Kraftwerk and Glass, a big beat number complete with an original monologue from Suli Breaks.

The album’s seven-minute centrepiece, Treat, is arguably the most experimental track on the album. With its synth lines, a booming bass line and a boisterous rock & roll chorus, the track boasts a bit of everything, with a killer story to match.

My favourites have to be Stevie, a classic Kasabian rock-dance number which harks back to Madchester days and Eez-eh, a laser-guided lead single with a killer dance beat and legendary lyrics.

The last two tracks – Bow and SPS – are also worth a listen with their brooding verses, harmonic vocals and anthemic chorus.

Love it or hate it, 48:13 is album worthy of Kasabian’s headline slot at the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury later this month. Don’t be surprised if they take home another Brit award in 2014.

3.5 out of 5 stars

48:13 by Kasabian is released 9 June 2014 through Columbia Records.