At number one again - Kasabian's fourth album goes to top spot

Critics have hailed Velociraptor! Kasabian's best album yet – and yesterday fans showed they felt the same way after sending it to the top of the charts, writes Gemma Peplow.

The Leicester band's fourth album follows in the footsteps of the second and third, Empire and West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, both twice platinum-selling records that went straight to number one.

Songwriter and guitarist Serge Pizzorno, 30, is already thinking about future albums and leaving a Kasabian legacy behind.

"You don't have to recreate the same thing again and again," he says. "Maybe by the ninth album we'll have that, but now we need to try new things and keep it exciting."

He says the new album is quite a contrast to the weird and wonderful West Ryder and it has more in common with their self-titled debut.

"When you've made a record where you're dressed as a priest on the cover, you have to strip things back a bit," says Serge.

"So what's a contrast to West Ryder?

"A direct, melodic, epic record. That's the thinking behind it, anyway."

We reviewed our favourite tracks from Velociraptor! earlier this month. So now, it's over to the fans.

Fans give their verdicts: ‘Kasabian have come to epitomise England’s post-millennium rock generation’

Ashley Charles, 25, of Western Park, Leicester.

“Velociraptor! is exactly the album I wanted to hear. It’s everything Kasabian does best – from the sublime to the anthemic.

“There are some surprises, too. Switchblade Smiles, for example, sounds like nothing they have done before – and it’s quality pre-King Power Stadium listening for LCFC fans, too.

“Initial standout tracks for me are Man of Simple Pleasures and Re-wired. But there’s not a bad track on the album.

“You can’t help but think Velociraptor! is a statement of intent. Everything from the album’s name to the striking art direction – not to mention the band’s recent gig on a Boeing 747 – suggests Kasabian are brimming with confidence.

And why wouldn’t they be? They are THE British rock band.

“The only way I could like my copy of Velociraptor! more would be if Serge had nipped round to hand deliver it with a couple of chilled Peronis.”

Shane Evans, 26, grew up in Thurmaston and now lives in Philadelphia after moving to America when he was 10.

“Known for their charged guitar riffs and aggressive lyrics, Kasabian have come to epitomise England’s post-millennium rock generation. With Velociraptor!, the quartet continue to cement their place among the country’s elite musical acts with a fresh spin on the formula that has worked so well in their three prior efforts.

“A slight departure from the trance-infused melodies that the band has recently been known for, the fourth album hits a more orchestral and flowing chord.

“Velociraptor! is a massive success for a band hell bent on increasing its footprint on an increasingly muddled music scene.”

Bethan James, 27, from Clarendon Park, Leicester.

“Leicester’s favourite foursome are back with an eclectic mix of pop, rock, indie and dance-influenced tracks.

“The album may be named after a dinosaur but the energetic sounds are far from prehistoric.

“It’s less experimental than West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum but still maintains the edgy sound that Tom, Serge and co have become so well known for. Personal highlights include the whimsical Goodbye Kiss and the catchy title track, but my favourite has got to be the mystical La Fee Verte.

“With this record, Kasabian have well and truly proved themselves as worthy successors of Oasis’s crown as Britain’s best rock band.

“Now, bring on the live shows.”

James Kendrick, 21, of Cosby.

“Velociraptor! is by no means a dinosaur of an album, but neither does it suggest the Leicester band’s success is heading towards extinction.

“Let’s Roll Just Like We Used To is a misleading title for the intriguing opener as it totally contradicts the classic Kasabian song formula.

“With a trumpeted intro and chords aplenty, it’s far removed from their typical electronica currency. Following in this vein are La Feé Verte and Goodbye Kiss, where it’s surprising to hear Meighan, a caged tiger of a live performer, singing about love.

New single Days are Forgotten lacks the creativity of a typical Kasabian number and is consequently staler than a week-old loaf of bread.

But the title track adds pace and bite to proceedings with a clever riff and an explosive, comical chorus.

Jordan Halford, 22, of Lutterworth.

“Kasabian have been forever tarnished by music critics for their boisterous ‘lad-rock’ and failing to emerge from the shadows of Oasis, though their electro-infused brand of rock has always been rather more adventurous than the Gallaghers’s muses.

Undoubtedly, Tom’s prominent Leicester accent and boyish charm do nothing to dispel those qualms and neither does

Velociraptor!

There are nods to Alex Turner here – album opener Let’s Roll Just Like We Used To sounds similar to the Last Shadow Puppets.

“But it’s tracks such as

Re-wired, Switchblade Smiles and the anthemic chorus of Days Are Forgotten that are sure to be festival favourites in 2011.

On this evidence, Kasabian are a long way from becoming extinct.