Kasabian’s eighth album, Happenings, marks their second outing sans Tom Meighan, with Serge Pizzorno firmly at the helm. Pizzorno steers the band toward a leaner sound, raising the question: creative rebirth or old dogs, new tricks?
Opening track ‘Symphony of Thought’ grabs attention with Pizzorno’s shaman-meets-pub-philosopher vocals, weaving tales of soul-searching and social commentary. The pulsating beat and introspective lyrics immediately set a promising tone. This is echoed in ‘Echoes of the Past,’ a clever fusion of nostalgia and modernity showcasing the band’s evolution. The track masterfully blends wistful melodies with contemporary production, reflecting Kasabian’s ability to innovate without losing their essence.
READ MORE: ★★★★☆ Kasabian at Alexandra Palace review: Serge shines bright as the frontman
Themes of resilience and change weave throughout the album, providing a thematic backbone that connects each song. ‘Fading Lights’ laments the fleeting nature of fame, delivering a bittersweet reflection on the highs and lows of the spotlight. The melancholy is palpable, yet it’s tempered by ‘New Dawn,’ which offers a glimmer of hope and renewal, suggesting that even in the darkest times, there is potential for a fresh start.
Despite Pizzorno’s meticulous production and polished songwriting, a certain ruthlessness is missing. The music, though precise and expertly crafted, occasionally feels calculated, lacking the spontaneous energy that once defined Kasabian’s earlier work. The judicious use of synthesisers in ‘Tomorrow’s Ghosts’ adds a welcome touch of futurism, while the stripped-down acoustic arrangement of ‘Lone Wanderer’ highlights Pizzorno’s songwriting prowess and versatility.
However, the album’s overall feeling sometimes edges towards being a bit too polished, potentially at the expense of the raw, visceral energy that so typified their past releases.
The instrumentation on Happenings is, granted, both lush and varied. Guitars shimmer, basslines throb, and drums pound with precision, creating an immersive listening experience. The production quality is undeniable, with each track slowly revealing new layers after repeated listens. But when all’s said and done, you can’t help but yearn for more of the untethered spontaneity that made Kasabian’s earlier albums so compelling.
Happenings is a solid, if somewhat unspectacular, entry in Kasabian’s discography. It showcases Pizzorno’s ambition and ability to steer the band in new directions, but it lacks the urgency and visceral impact of their earlier work. Whether this marks a new direction or a temporary detour remains to be seen. For now, Happenings proves Kasabian’s lasting talent and enthusiasm to evolve, even if the results are a mixed bag.
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