Kaiser Chiefs

Brighton Centre

Thursday, January 30

MOMENTS before the Kaiser Chiefs hit the stage a lone voice emanated from the bar behind us... “we love you Rickaay” in reference to the band’s talismanic frontman Ricky Wilson.

Wilson certainly knows how to work a crowd and burst onto the stage in a tight fitting predominantly white ensemble, pogoing up and down and racing across the stage throughout.

Supporting act Razorlight had warmed up the assembled throng during the latter stages of their set with a slew of hits, but it was the Kaisers the majority had come to see and the band who built their reputation on their live shows were undoubtedly at the top of their game.

The momentum ebbed and flowed in the early stages, particularly when the band played songs from their most recent album, Duck, but that was hardly a surprise as it was the hits the crowd had come to hear.

Wilson spent most of the evening shaking a tambourine with his vocals impeccable throughout. The band were also on top form with drummer Vijay Mistry providing a pounding back beat, with guitarist Andrew White, Nick Baines on keyboards and bassist Simon Rix also excelling.

The excitement was tangible as the opening chords of Every Day I Love You Less and Less were struck and Wilson went into full-on Duracell battery mode.

Those standing near the front were happily dancing and fist pumping although sadly it seemed those in the upper tier were more than content to stay in their seats.

My colleague, who was nursing an injured knee and could barely walk, then emitted a loud shriek as the band tore into the anthemic I Predict a Riot.

It was not one of pleasure, but of pain. However, he was determined to mimic the throng at the front with a solo boogie while condemning a hatchet faced individual who remained seated with arms firmly crossed.

Having taken a break atop what appeared to be a replica cafe on stage, the band returned to play one of their most popular songs, Oh My God.

By this stage most of the audience were singing along, actively encouraged by Wilson whose energy levels never sapped. The band may not be every critic’s cup of Horlicks, but no one can doubt their enduring popularity with the Brighton Centre packed to the rafters.

As a live act the Kaisers delivered again. They remain at the top of their game.