Kudos (yet another word I promise not to use again) are deserved for Kaiser Chiefs even though their debut Employment isn't the most original album that's on record store shelves this year. The Leeds, U.K. natives' brand of pop-py post-punk is something a lot of aspiring rock outfits are doing at the moment. However, while thousands of songs are released each and every year that cover the same subject - "I love you so much," or "I miss you so much" - the Kaisers take a different approach on "Everyday I Love You Less and Less." Over a crackling synth beat, Ricky Wilson repeatedly proclaims his distaste for a not-so special someone. "It makes me sick to think of you undressed. ?You're turning into something I detest," are just a smattering of the verbal venom that rhyme with "less" that the singer spits all the while puffing up his own chest declaring "And my parents love me. ?They keep photos of me." Although, behind these barbs, one gets the sense that the narrator still has feelings hidden deep down, feelings of love and love lost. Wait a minute. This is a love song! Those witty Brits fooled me again! Good song, though.
Next, "I Predict a Riot" comes barreling through the speakers. With its riffy chorus and bouncing keys, the tune sounds as if it was recorded by The Clash's suburban grandkids. A way-too polished piece of rebellion that begs to be on the radio so intensely that makes the band seem desperate to be pop stars.
The band comes come off as much more reputable when they are not trying to please the masses. "You Can Have It All" is effortlessly catchy. Just a timeless pop song with an almost rumba-esque beat and more synths combined with melodious mop-top Beatles-y lyrics:
It's not my fault?I don't care.
I don't regret a single thing.
?
You can have it all and that's alright?
And, I will give it all to you because you never fight.
I could easily see The Kinks performing it in 1965.
"Saturday Night" channels another era, or maybe another era inspired by early 80s post-punk: early 90s Britpop. The tune mirrors the youthful jaunts of Blur and Supergrass so much that it's almost scary. This result is really not surprising upon learning that famed Britpop helmsman Stephen Street produced the record.
Later, stylistic departures into ska-reggae (What Did I Ever Give You) and folk (Time Honoured Tradition) sound like parodies. For now, Kaiser Chiefs should have stuck with what they do well - coming up with punchy anthems that clock in at three minutes or less and feature snappy back-up vocals and synths (although I felt the band too often falls back on keyboards to strengthen the weaker tracks). Save the artistic growth for the follow-ups.
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