Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BAND ON A PLUCKY STREAK
Pizzorno reveals how they wanted to make ‘a really incredible guitar album’
Kasabian have proved they have staying power. Formed in Leicester 20 years ago, their musical scope and swagger have marked them out as a people’s band, outlasting many of their peers.
Musical mastermind Serge Pizzorno has crafted a consistently inventive brand of stomping psychedelic anthems for frontman Tom Meighan to turn into festival headlining faves.
This year’s For Crying Out Loud finds them at a creative peak – Pizzorno returning to the guitar-fuelled electronic flamethrowers with which the band made their name.
“What we wanted to do was make a really incredible guitar album,” he enthuses. “Music needs saving from the pop world, not just rock guitar music, more diverse music needs a bigger platform – the scales are tipped too far. I never fell out of love with the guitar, and decided it should be the domineering instrument on the album.”
The album’s rallying cry Bless This Acid House channels Pizzorno’s punk, rather than rave, influences. “The Stooges, The Ramones, The New York Dolls, The Sex Pistols. I like the fact that it’s a punk song rather than an acid house song. When you hear the title, you expect something completely different. I like the element of surprise.”
Crying Out Loud grew out of adversity, but Kasabian’s inner resolve saw them through. “Inevitably, in the length of time we’ve been together, there have been some moments, but nothing too dramatic,” says Pizzorno. “Last year was tough, but it never really got serious.” He admits he does see life beyond Kasabian. “I see myself going a number of ways in the next 30 years,” he says.
“I’m always interested in making unique-sounding music with someone, somewhere.”
In the meantime, Kasabian’s headlining set at Reading Festival this weekend should show that the Leicester lads’ legacy remains intact.
And they still have what it takes. “No gimmicks, we don’t need any of that,” Pizzorno insists.
“Just high-energy, full-throttle, electronic pandemonium.
“It’s always an honour to headline any festival, but one steeped in so much history is such an important milestone for any band.
“We play it like we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone else in the crowd.
“The Friday night is a very special evening.”
’I like the fact it’s a punk song rather than an acid house song. I like the element of surprise’