[8/10]
After revealing a rather gross pink album cover earlier today in anticipation of their new album 48:13, Kasabian debuted their lead single ‘Eez-eh’. The minimalistic cover and album title are reminiscent of composer John Cage’s ‘4:33’ of silence, however this first track is anything but quiet. On first listen, the song is unusually dance-orientated for the usually guitar-based band, with a very funky hi-hat throughout it. While Kasabian are predominantly a rock band, they have a colourful past experimenting with many different styles; you only have to compare earlier rock albums like ‘Empire’ to the more psychedelic ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ to see that Kasabian are no strangers to change – and this song was written by creative genius Serge Pizzorno. Though the lyrics to ‘Eez-eh’ – in typical Kasabian style – aren’t particularly deep or meaningful, they are short and punchy enough for crowds to easily yell them back, and it’s clear they had a ball of a time writing these faintly ridiculous lyrics.
It could be seen as just another track trying hard to be THE summer tune – especially since the band will be headlining at a number of festivals later this year including Glastonbury – however judging by the band’s track record and numerous creative pursuits I don’t think they have sold out. Overall, ‘Eez-eh’ is a bouncy feel-good track which will be virtually guaranteed a huge amount of airplay over the next few months. According to the band, the song is around 120 beats per minute which is the ideal speed for jumping, and apparently the upcoming video will also feature a lot of this*. It is unashamedly catering to the more pop side of the musical spectrum, and if the rest of the album is anything like it then I for one can’t wait.
48:13 is due to be released in early June, and it looks like fans won’t be disappointed.
Anna Lim
*30/04/14 update: This was indeed correct. SO MUCH JUMPING!
