LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Kaiser Chiefs @ Project House, Leeds

3 Mar

Written By Scott

I've been a fan of the Kaiser Chiefs since their early days just before the release of their incredible and successful “Employment “ album which Ricky pointed out mid show was 20 years ago. It sure doesn't feel like 20 years. Fast forward another 6 albums and here we are at their 8th.

We arrived at the venue approximately 6.40pm to see a massive queue of people. Project House, quite a new music venue in Leeds has a capacity of around 1000, but from the size of the queue it looked like more. Once in the venue atmosphere was electric with a good mix of ages, I was impressed with the stage and bar areas. I took my position just in front of the sound desk waiting excitedly as the venue continued to fill.

Slightly later than expected the lights dimmed and a cheer went up as the intro to “Money for Nothing”(Dire Straits) played through the PA. As it came to a crescendo, the lads came out on stage and straight into the catchy and funky “How to Dance” released previously as a single but also on the “8” album.

Next up was crowd favourite “Every Day” a stomping tune from “Employment” that got the crowd immediately on their side. There was a lot of love in the room for the local Leeds lads.The professionalism of the band shows through with their ease and relaxed relationship with the crowd. Ricky's voice is spot on, as is whiteys guitar playing.

New material next with Ricky checking his lyric sheet, “Beautiful Girl” typical Kaisers, melodic, skips along nicely, but I felt it should have been longer, maybe another verse, as it's a good song.

“Burning in Flames” was just brilliant with synth/strings coming through along with Ricky's voice still strong and hitting the long notes. This one also has a funky bass line to allow Simon to show his skills, an instant like for me.

Next new song ‘Job Centre Shuffle’,(instantly makes me think of the scene in The Full Monty) Kasabian-esk political lyrics, what's not to like? A cracker, the crowd loved this one with a young lady in front of me absolutely dancing her socks off.

The next 3 songs were the must play crowd pleasers. “Never miss a beat,” “Ruby,” and “I predict a riot" classic Kaiser anthems with Ricky's voice lifting the roof off.

This was followed by another new track “Reasons to Stay Alive" with a gritty heavy bass line and catchy chorus this one also delivers.

The encore was a gentle extended intro that broke the anthemic "Oh My God” with a crowd sing-a-long to finish.

These lads have still got their finger on the pulse with the new album, produced by Amir Amur of Rudimental fame and a collaboration with Nile Rodgers on the track “Feeling alright”. The recorded album is greatly produced and sounds fantastic. As always the band are brilliant live and Ricky's vocals and camaraderie with the crowd make him one of the best front men to grace the stage.

As I mentioned at the outset I’m already a fan and I did notice that Ricky didn't encourage the Leeds football chants which I was glad about. Unfortunately this does tend to follow them a bit with them being famous Leeds United supporters but let's stick with the music as its brilliant.

See them live, no matter what team you support, whether you like football or not they’re a great live band playing great music.