Kasabian: Kasabian

By SCOTT KARA

(Herald rating: * * * * )

The prize for the most effective use of a synthesiser this year - because we all know they're hard to use without being annoying - goes to Kasabian. Everything from galactic bleeps to jamming piano chords are pulsing all over the place on their debut album. You will be listening to War Of The Worlds in one ear and then all of the sudden the phone is ringing in the other. Yet moulding what can often be irritating elements together are lush drums and guitars, and two singers, making it one of the best listens so far this year.

Kasabian formed in 1999, yet it has taken them until now to release this album. It doesn't matter; it's brimming with diversity, originality, and most of all, an energy that bands like Franz Ferdinand and even American punks Green Day are starting to realise again.

It's the Stone Roses, but more edgy, and it has the playfulness of the Happy Mondays, but without the stupidity and druggy inspiration. Don't think this is music that's resorting to the halcyon days of pill-popping acid house and lazy guitar flourishes. They've got the shoe-gazer hair cuts but the hair driers are well and truly on. Kasabian is energised and propulsive throughout, even when co-singer Tom Meighan is soaring long, slow and high over a spacey synth on I.D., or on the beautiful noodlings of Butcher Blues. These quieter moments act as an enjoyable respite from the noisier, more exhilarating bits on the fiery Reason Is Treason and opening track Club Foot. All hail the synth.

Label: BMG