Kaiser Chiefs – Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album

The sun is starting to shine upon the UK as spring approaches; the dark, cold winters are slowly turning into brighter, easy-going days. Kaiser Chiefs have perfect timing in this case: on 1^st March 2024, the quintet release their new record, Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album. 

With a warm, fuzzy and friendly feel, the band welcomes in the upcoming months with effortless and simple yet exciting and dance-worthy tracks. After 19 years of steadfast success, Kaiser Chiefs have established a permanent spot in Britain’s alternative rock scene. It may seem difficult to hone a special sound whilst maintaining the power of their earlier tracks like Ruby or Everyday I Love You Less And Less, but the five have managed to ride alongside the music scene’s ever-changing environment over the years, and this project is no exception. 

The record begins strong, with arguably one of the best tracks, Feeling Alright. The ever-iconic Nile Rodgers co-wrote the song with Kaiser Chiefs, and there is no better collaborator than Rodgers when it comes to this particular sound. The synthy guitar mixed with the echoed shouts behind Ricky Wilson’s lead throughout sonify its theme perfectly, and its carefree lyricism will surely resonate with many listeners’ summer holidays.

Beautiful Girl continues with a similar swingy sound and a quicker pace; Wilson’s lead is enhanced with reverb similar to Feeling Alright. The synth returns with How 2 Dance for an 80s pop-rock hybrid; although the lyrics may be simply about dancing like no one’s watching, Kaiser Chiefs show off their pop abilities well regardless.

The Job Centre Shuffle is an excellent shift in tone: the slower, groovier track discusses the draining day-to-day of office work whilst returning to a soft rock sound. The instrumentals are unique and combine with group vocals and more synth to drive home the lyrics. Horns are introduced in the mix and interesting percussion is used, making this a main highlight of the album.

Burning in Flames returns to pop with some added strings work. The band discuss how “the stage is a cage” and what seems to be their struggle with the industry, yet despite the tough topic, the sound is energetic and fun.

Reasons to Stay Alive switches to what the world knows as quintessential Kaiser Chiefs: unique guitar variations grace the track, especially during the chorus. Themes brought forth by the two preceding songs are expressed here as well, making it seem as though the three-track run is deeper than their sounds let on, though Reasons to Stay Alive takes a darker and heavier approach.

Sentimental Love Songs delivers exactly what its title suggests, with lyrics like “concrete vandalised by dandelions” and “an engagement on pavement” making for a lovely dedication, while Jealousy is a faster and more straightforward track. Although the lyrics are not particularly intense, the Kaiser Chiefs prove once again they know how to create a solid pop song.

Noel Groove shifts back to smooth, laid-back rock; the guitar and percussion moments within this song make for an interesting listen, thus wonderfully leading towards the final moment of the record. The Lads wraps things up with a warm, loving tune about male friendships. 

Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album overall is a good change of pace for the band. Amir Amor’s production has helped the quintet transition successfully into a new sound whilst still holding on to their alternative rock roots. Although short and sweet with a 29-minute listen time, each song flows well with one another and creates a fresh production that will surely be a feel-good staple for the upcoming season.

Taryn Crowley
Image: Cal McIntyre

 

Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album is released on 1^st March 2024. For further information or to order the album visit Kaiser Chiefs’s website here.

Watch the video for the single here: