Kaiser Chiefs, Brighton Centre, February 28

SIXTEEN years have passed since Kaiser Chiefs launched their brand of indie pop on the music scene.

The question at the Brighton Centre was that after so long could both the band and its audience generate that same exuberant enthusiasm that greeted their emergence?

The group certainly turned in a highly polished and professional performance, with lead singer Ricky Wilson showing  he can still walk the walk as well as talking the TV talk to nervous singing  contest competitors.

The excellent band’s edge was sharpened by having some catchy new material to showcase from the latest album Stay Together. Their last single Parachute caught the ear and there was plenty of appreciation for the infectious Stay Together that opened the show.

All bands have their killer tunes and the Kaisers treated the expectant crowd to a fair few from their fine catalogue. Wilson’s innate energy seemed undiminished and his “in the round” performance in the centre of the delighted crowd was a highlight.

Despite the quality of the new material like Hole in My Soul it was the old monster hits I Predict a Riot, aptly preceded by The Angry Mob, and the anthem-like  Ruby that predictably raised the roof.

Five stars

Phil Dennett