Changing a charismatic lead singer in a popular rock band is a fraught decision.
But it was one reportedly forced upon Kasabian, who parted ways with frontman Tom Meighan after his 2020 conviction for spousal abuse.
While the reasoning behind the axeing was sound, it did raise questions about how the British rockers would regroup.
'The%20Alchemist's%20Euphoria'
Since they formed in 1997, the magic of Kasabian’s sound has been the precarious balance of brawn and brain.
The former was heavily influenced by Meighan, whose laddish persona was responsible for stomping hits Shoot the Runner and Club Foot. It was guitarist, and sometimes vocalist Serge Pizzorno’s more esoteric leaning that balanced the group’s machismo, particular in the brooding track Fire and the danceable You're in Love with a Psycho.
With Meighan out of the picture, Kasabian’s new album The Alchemist’s Euphoria finds Pizzorno taking full creative control and becoming the group’s sole vocalist.
The end result marks a new chapter for the group, for better or worse.
Fans of Meighan's swaggering sounds will be slightly disappointed as the new record is a mellower offering. That said, the album has a few adrenalin-pumping moments.
Scriptvre has the feel of The Chemical Brothers meets Run DMC, with Pizzorno’s boisterous rapping — “get the vile, get the blood, give me aggro” — backed by thunderous percussion.
The barrelling Chemicals is destined to be a live favourite.
Laced with tightly syncopated beats and strident riffs, it is the kind of sprightly tune that The Strokes brought to fame at the turn of the century.
Genre bending abounds in The Alchemist's Euphoria. Case in point, T.U.E (the ultraview effect), which begins as a plaintive ballad before taking on a more abstract shape with waves of discordant synths and clattering beats.
Stargazr is even more out there with its programmed synths and Pizzorno's slightly distorted vocals inspired by an astronaut’s perspective of the world below.
That emphasis on atmospherics bogs down the album at certain points.
The two instrumental tracks Space and Sea are totally unnecessary, while The Wall could have sorely used the venom Meighan specialised in.
Considering the tumultuous context of its creation, though, The Alchemist's Euphoria is a solid piece of work.
It may not be what the fan base wanted, but what the band needed to keep them going.
BLACK%20ADAM
While you're here
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Lucy Sherriff: Covid vaccine passports: safeguard or ethical nightmare?
Explained
On Women's Day
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The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies - The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
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Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
On Women's Day
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
Transgender report
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister
• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
The national orchestra
More from Neighbourhood Watch
The%20specs
%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Baby Driver
Director: Edgar Wright
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Lily James
Three and a half stars
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
War on waste
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
15 years, 181 days old - Max Dowman (Arsenal)
15 years, 235 days old - Jeremy Monga (Leicester)
15 years, 271 days old - Harvey Elliott (Fulham)
16 years, 30 days old - Matthew Briggs (Fulham)
16 years, 68 days old
57%20Seconds
On Women's Day
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
Leap of Faith
Michael J Mazarr
Public Affairs
Dh67
Stormy seas
Weather warnings show that Storm Eunice is soon to make landfall. The videographer and I are scrambling to return to the other side of the Channel before it does. As we race to the port of Calais, I see miles of wire fencing topped with barbed wire all around it, a silent ‘Keep Out’ sign for those who, unlike us, aren’t lucky enough to have the right to move freely and safely across borders.
We set sail on a giant ferry whose length dwarfs the dinghies migrants use by nearly a 100 times. Despite the windy rain lashing at the portholes, we arrive safely in Dover; grateful but acutely aware of the miserable conditions the people we’ve left behind are in and of the privilege of choice.
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
On Women's Day
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
