“Indie rock” and “aging gracefully” are two phrases not often found in the same sentence. But here we are, in 2015, using all of the above to describe Kaiser Chiefs, one of the UK’s most treasured indie rock bands who, after being together for 15 years are indeed, aging gracefully.
After releasing their international breakout album Employment in 2005, Kaiser Chiefs charmed indie rock fans across the globe with the catchy, intelligent Britpop anthems. Songs like “I Predict A Riot”, and “Every Day I Love You Less and Less”, affirmed their position at the head of the second wave of the British invasion, the same wave that brought us The Klaxons, Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys.
Like many bands that broke from this wave, they were never able to top their initial success, each album selling less than the previous, perhaps a result of not having the right song, or the inevitable rise of illegal downloading. On top of that, original drummer and main songwriter Nick Hodgson quit in 2012, triggering a mini-identity crisis within the band.
While some could find themselves drinking bottomless pints in a dark pub, bitterly dreaming of the glory days, Kaiser Chiefs rose to the challenge.
“When Nick left, there was a moment of jeopardy where we could have crumbled, but actually we chose to fight for what we believe in and what we love, and out of that came [the new album],” says keyboardist Nick “Peanut” Baines, who Westender caught up with on pre-tour holiday in Santa Monica.
Their newest album, Education, Education, Education and War, is an energetic Britpop album that takes its name from ex-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair’s 2005 speech, in which he emphasizes (a few times) the importance of education. While the album may be politically inspired, it is by no means a “political record”.
“Our lyrics are often formed from personal experience and observing what is around us,” says Baines. “We don’t preach to people, we just say what we see.”
In 2013, lead vocalist Ricky Wilson joined the cast of The Voice UK as a judge, alongside will.i.am, Kylie Minogue and the legendary Tom Jones. The band was hyper-aware of the possible backlash, facing accusations of “selling out” or putting fame ahead of the music. But when you’re approaching your band from a careerist side of things, it couldn’t have made more sense.
“It certainly helped us,” says Baines of the show. “We had a big discussion about whether Ricky should do it or not. There are so few music shows on British TV right now, so the choice to do it was made easier by the fact that, like any band, we want to be seen and heard. The Voice was a great way to achieve that.”
And what better candidate for a show balancing possibilities and shattered dreams than an indie rock musician?
Kaiser Chiefs embark on their umpteenth North American tour this month, a tour that will bring them all across the planet, yet again, in promotion of Education, and with new drummer Vijay Mistry replacing Hodgson, the band says it has never felt more self-assured.
“We’re very aware of what we want to be and how we want to entertain a crowd, and the sort of power we want our music to put out,” says Baines.
So, any advice to aspiring young musicians hoping to embark in a similar journey?
“Listen to your parents, get a proper job.” Smiley face.
• Kaiser Chiefs play the Commodore Ballroom on April 21st with special guests Howler. Tickets $32.50+ doors at 8pm.
