They pull out a combination of Bowie inflections on the slower songs and singer Jon embodies all the Damon Albarn frenzied mannerisms as he gives their Kinks-flavoured songs some welly. They produced a solid and enjoyable set, but have yet to fully identify their own sound. The Kaiser Chiefs on the other hand, are much more clearly defined. They offer a frantic slice of new Britpop. Much in the way that Pulp and Blur penned cautionary tales of quirky English life, so do the Chiefs, but they do it with a distinctly northern edge, incorporating stories of going out on the lash in Leeds and fighting and drinking, melded with killer pop choruses and spiky guitar hooks. They have become the darlings of every media outlet known to man, including the NME, MTV2 and… The Independent newspaper. Their debut album is released on 7th March and their next single (a reissue) Oh My God is this week's Single of the Week on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. But how do they measure up live? The sweaty audience clamour "Chiefs! Chiefs!" as the band amble on to the stage, then grinning singer Ricky Wilson hits out with the first song Na Na Na Na Naa. The capacity crowd sways, sweats and heaves forward under the glowing red lights and the band become lost to view with a multitude of crowdsurfing legs in the air… Ricky has the adoring audience in the palm of his hands, incorporating smooching with young blonde "Chiefettes", manic dancing and stagediving at every opportunity. Bowler-hatted band member Peanut rocks out as only a man can hunched over a unwieldy keyboard, and everyone cheers his solo introductions. Single I Predict a Riot kicks in, chaos erupts and the audience swarm all over the room like ants, climbing on to the stairs and into the alcoves for a better views. The room is almost delirious, a heady mix of guitars, hats, swaying crowds and ringing ears. Having heard the two recent singles I knew I would like the Chiefs but was very wary of all the hype. They proved me wrong by being far better live than on record, proffering up a raw energy and anarchic enthusiasm that I've not seen for a long time. I experienced the passion of a punk gig, rather than some Britpop darling's media showcase. Alison saw Duels and the Kaiser Chiefs Tsunami Benefit Gig @ Josephs Well, Leeds on Friday 7 January 2005. | 
