Night Out at Kasabian

Photo Credits: Ian Coulson

Any online comment section would have you believe that a Serge-fronted Kasabian is only a feeble imitation of the days of Tom Meighan, limping away from its hypnotic electro-rock origins. The 45,000 strong Finsbury Park crowd completely rapt, under a symphonic trance, tells you otherwise.

Some twenty-two years after their debut, Kasabian proved once more on the 4th of July that they haven't lost any of their verve and zeal and remain masters of the live performance. Despite the sweltering heat, a carefully crafted setlist kept the crowd bouncing. Familiar classics such as 'LSF', 'Clubfoot' and 'Shoot the Runner' were interspersed with the band's newer electro-ish material, providing welcome respite from the mosh! However, keeping the crowd engaged with the band's latest release - 'Superpowers' - proved a challenge too far, even for the virtuoso frontman. 

Veteran fans were treated to some older favourites which haven't made the setlist for years: 'Days Are Forgotten' and 'Goodbye Kiss' were truly special moments in the setting sun. The very rare performance of 'Goodbye Kiss' in particular, which Serge claimed was an impromptu decision, had large swathes of the crowd with a lump in their throat. Transcending the heavy ‘processed beats’ we're used to hearing, this sentimental ballad demonstrated the band's range.

Whilst these setlist shake-ups were very welcome additions, newer material such as the recent Calvin Harris collaboration ‘Release the Pressure’ proved less popular. Some fans took to socials after the gig commenting, ‘I thought this was a Kasabian concert, not an Ibiza rave.’ This is where the tension lies.

Kasabian’s gigs are still as punching and dynamic as ever; convincing their indie-head fanbase to accept the new EDM orientation may be a challenge too far.

Echoing chants of “Sergio” in adoration of the musical mastermind behind Fire, the blistering climax of the night, prove fans’ ongoing adoration for the face of the new lineup, but the band's slightly confused sense of direction continues to trouble them.

Photo Credits: Ian Coulson