Kasabian :: Live

One of the blessings of living in this city is that you get to see most of your favourite bands up close and personal. Bands always fit a stop in to Amsterdam on the European leg of their tours and there are really only two venues - Paradiso and Melkweg - both of which are small. So whereas in London you'd be struggling for a decent view, here in Amsterdam both venues have wrap around balconies and excellent acoustics to allow for maximum enjoyment (for even the latest of stragglers).

Last night's Kasabian gig at Paradiso was a perfect example. We turned up about 20 minutes before they got on stage and still managed to claim a spot on the 1st floor balcony so close I could have poured my beer on to Chris's bass. We had some friends turn up late and they managed to slot right in behind us...all at a sell-out gig. So good.

Though Kasabian's swagger is something of an anachronism in these days of indy winsome posturing, it is nothing if not infectious. They picked up the place from the moment they belted out Reason is Treason and never let up. They were totally wired and were clearly enjoying themselves whipping up an extremely responsive and largely British crowd. With the chanting echoing throughout the venue, the whole experience was like being at a football match. One skinhead up the front got so amped up he started throttling other gig-goers out of sheer over-excitement. Luckily for his victims, his big breasted girlfriend intervened each time to calm him down.

While Kasabian may not be breaking any new ground, they are the masters of guitar AND synth driven rock. Last night they rocked the venue with flawless workmanship. Leadsinger Tom whipped the crowd into a frenzy with his Mick Jagger swagger and 'come-on-let's-have-it' gestures (like Mick, Tom's stage routine is just the right side of camp for rock n' roll). Serge stayed as still as possible so the girls could get a good look and swoon, Jason looked like he was dressed for a Jesus and Mary Chain convention and Ian and his ever increasing girth bashed the hell out of his tom-toms.

It was an excellent gig that mainlined rock n roll into your veins. Even the most cynical hipster couldn't have stopped his foot from tapping. Kasabian are good and they know it.

They also give good video. See below for their Banksy-esque 'Reason is Treason' clip