Kasabian @ The NIA, Birmingham – 19th November 2009

Kasabian
There aren’t many superlatives that haven’t been used to describe Kasabian over the past year, especially when it comes to their live performance. In our review of them at their De Montfort Hall gig we described them as “an enormous sound and euphoric uplifting performances combining the pomp of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream and the showmanship of Faithless”. We were in for a treat.

Being a huge fan and having had the pleasure of seeing them several times this year (thank you very much Brum Live — I am indebted to you) it’s an understatement to say I was pretty excited to be in attendance at the Birmingham NIA on Thursday night.
Kasabian
Support came from Reverend and the Makers, who like Kasabian have their own brand of indie, cyber-rock, but unlike the headliners ere on the side of pop. Decent support, and one which helped to kick start the frenzy which was to ensue for the main event.
Kasabian
This fervour for the lads from Leicester to make their appearance began to increase as the sound technicians — all of whom were donning white coats with the word SANE on the back – went about their business. This crescendo was then further heightened as what can only be described as the ‘rant of a Latin mad man’ was blasted through the PA, as one of the men in white coats ambled across the stage waving a medieval smoking ball in an ode to their highly acclaimed album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. The atmosphere was electric. Anticipation palpable.
Kasabian
Tom Meighan is the consummate front man. Donning an army jacket, full of military regalia he marshaled his troops from the edge of the stage high upon his parapet with absolute ease. Comparisons can be drawn between him and a Roman Emperor. Both have governance over their respective masses, and although the Roman leader had the power to determine life or death by the shift of his thumb, similarly Meighan has the ability to orchestrate the baying fold in any direction he pleases.
Kasabian
It was a frenzied start which whipped the crown into a lather. ‘Underdog’ was the second song in and as Serge bashed out the near hypnotic opening guitar riff, the crowd predictably went off. Big style. All of the favourites — from ‘Club Foot’ through to ‘Fire’ were then expertly performed by the ever so tight band. A lot of credit for this professionalism needs to go to the rhythm section, namely Chris Edwards on bass and Ian Matthews on drums. Driving, high tempo bass lines are a Kasabian signature and these are accompanied impeccably by the drumming of Matthews.
Kasabian
The light show was fantastic, the perfect partner to the eclectic collection of weird and wonderful artifacts, both of which added to the overall ambiance.
Kasabian
The only difference between this gig and others that I’ve recently seen is that this was a little more experimental in nature. ‘Swarfiga’ got an airing for example, as did a number of slower songs such as ‘Thick as Thieves’. Great songs but better suited to the album rather than a raucous event which is a Kasabian gig me thinks.
Kasabian
There endeth the night. Job well done by the quartet from Leicester. Many a smiling face and slightly sweaty body left the auditorium aglow with what they had just witnessed. Come back soon please boys…
Kasabian
Words by Zak Edwards
Photography by Bianca Barrett

About Author

2 thoughts on “Kasabian @ The NIA, Birmingham – 19th November 2009

  1. wow i saw kasabian live at the nia birmingham an it was the first concert id ever been to an they were amaizing absolutely mind blowing omg brilliant one of the best bands goin so far hope to see more from them in yrs to come keep up the exellent work you guys .

  2. Hey dark-angel,

    Thanks you for your comment! so glad to hear that you enjoyed the gig, They’re certainly up there as one of the best live bands… Not to be missed 🙂 B

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *