The new Kasabian "Empire" has arrived and does not disappoint. I will start off with it's not groundbreaking, it isn't the cd that will revolutionize the music world but it is none the less very, very good. It starts off with "Empire" a song I reviewed a few weeks ago. Not the strongest song on the cd but isn't bad either. Track 2 "Shoot The Runner" is what you have been waiting for. The bass starts out with a groove and keeps it going throughout the song. You have hand claps and a bit of a club beat. Track 3 "Last Trip (In Flight)" sounds like it came from the 1st cd with that engulfing keyboard sound. Track 4 "Me Plus One" has an acoustic/electronic feel, think back to Beth Orton. I really like this song, its a happy little diddy. Track 5 "Sun/Rise/Light/Flies" reminds me of Primal Scream during their electronic phase. It has that Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows" vocal sound and heavy keyboards. Track 7 "By My Side" blends electronic with a bit of spanish flamanicoesque guitar. Track 8 "Stuntman" is another great song, it takes about a minute to get going and then settles in with heavy keys and hushed vocals. There is almost a Chemical Brothers feel to this one. Track 9 "Seek And Destroy" channels Julian Casablanca and could easily be a Strokes remix. Track 10 "British Legion" is the typical Beatles piano ballad every British band has to include on their cd, not bad but could do without. Track 10 "The Doberman" has a middle eastern feel to it, reminded me of Kula Shaker.

The 1st half of the cd follows in the same style a gritter and sleazier approach. By mid cd, the stlyes start to change and fall back on the wall of sound Kasabian made so famous. It is a valid followup and you can see Kasabian growing, I don't think they will fall to the sophomore slump. I set my expectations a bit too high for this cd I wanted a perfect 10 but only got an 8.5.