Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. February 4th 2012.L.S. Media Rating *****

The Kaiser Chiefs have got to be classed as one of the complete bands to emerge in the last 20 years. No matter how big and popular the Yorkshire lads have got, they look and play the part well of a band who are at home in a huge stadium, such as the Liverpool Echo Arena as they are in one of the many Academy venues dotted around the country.

It was not so much surprising to see the Kaiser Chiefs in the Birmingham Academy as much as it was magnificent to see the considerable amount of people, die-hard fans and casual onlookers alike, willing to brave the extreme cold that descended over the country during the day. For their bravery they rewarded with a magnificent performance by one of the indisputably great bands of their generation. It was one of those nights where the packed audience were treated to a set that buzzed from the off.

Walking on stage and oozing confidence, the lads went straight into the bouncy Everyday I Love You Less and Less and Never Miss A Beat. The temperature outside may have been frightful, Arctic winds cutting through even the warmest coats and hardy bodies. Inside though it was a different matter, the closeness of people jammed together as they revelled in the sight of lead singer Ricky Wilson defying gravity as he climbed up to the “more expensive seats” and taking the rise out of one of the stewards who seemed to ask who he was, thrilled the audience beyond expectation!

Other bands that have come through and made musical waves as seismic as the Kaiser Chiefs have done since their debut album Employment seem to be more at home at large scale festivals or venues where the stage show seems to detract from the music. Not the Kaiser Chiefs though. They have learned very quickly that festivals may give them world wide exposure but that real fans also want to see them perform locally and give a show that remains dedicated to the music.

The evening seemed to fly by so quickly, perhaps mindful of the need for the venue to become a club night after the gig finished. Nevertheless the band managed to fit in so many songs during their time on stage that there really was little time for all assembled to catch their breath. Certainly the band felt the same as they gave the audience their all with songs such as Modern Way, I Predict A Riot, Little Shocks and Ruby.

There was even time during the set for a sneak preview of a couple of songs that might just make the new album when it’s released. On the basis of the first hearing, On the Run and Listen to Your Head will become as firm a favourite as anything else the group played during the night.

The queue outside for the club evening didn’t look half as impressive as those that had assembled three hours earlier and if anyone had asked a cross section of all those that entered the Academy on brutally cold night in the Midlands who had the better night, it’s fair to say to say that the fans of the Kaiser Chiefs would have had by far a well deserved, supremely better and incredible night out in comparison to the late night revellers.

Ian D. Hall