Leicesterhire’s Kasabian may not pick the prize for this year’s Oasis circa 1995 but they do have that swagger. They catapulted themselves into the indie scene with highly energetic rock music. Where they got their name (Linda Kasabian - the getaway driver of Charles Manson) or where the album was recorded, (remote farmhouse in Rutland near Leicester) is not important. What is important is did this album live up to the brouhaha it caused? The answer is yes and no.

The cut-n-paste concept for Kasabian’s self-titled album was attempted before. The lyrics are lacking much appeal. However, L.S.F. is by far the best track on the album. When Tom Meighan sings, “These drugs are just an hour away / Come on it, electronic / A polyphonic prostitute, the motor’s on fire / Messiah for the animals,” you feel the fervor. Meighan’s dominating vocals is a mix of brash impertinence. The other songs are full of techno beats and expression.

A much better assessment of Kasabian would be if these songs were released as EP’s (roughly 4 or 5 songs each). This LP falls short of the swagger, smug and downright great rock n roll it conjured. Xtrmntr-era Primal Scream is good for 5 minutes but no more. Nevertheless, there is hope for this Leicester four-piece. There is hope that another album is made with less swagger and spit. Okay — maybe a little bit of spit.