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Kaiser Chiefs

Modern Way

Label: Release Date: 24/10/2005

11660
Jordan_229_2 by Jordan Dowling November 6th, 2005

It would be so easy to take the scenester route and dismiss this band purely because of their mainstream popularity. I have tried to dig deeper, seeing their live performance and giving their album several listens. But without trying to sound too predictable, I cannot help but criticise The Kaiser Chiefs.

The main problem with this track, the fourth single (or eleventh if you count re-releases) from their debut album, is that it's depressingly average. It's not bad in essence, but it has nothing to hook you and make you want to actively listen to it.

Originality is also a moot point. Comparisons between Blur and the Kaiser Chiefs are rife and with good reason. Burn this onto a CD with a couple of pre-Malaysian nose flute Blur tracks and it would be hard to spot the odd one out. A little influence can be a good thing, but when you wear it so clearly on your brooch and don't take it in any new directions it's very easy to become stuck in a rut, and despite massive album sales this is what has happened to the Kaiser Chiefs.

So unfortunately I am going to have to play Mogwai to Ricky Wilson's Blur and say 'Kaiser Chiefs: Are Shit'.

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