Artist Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs tend to fall into that heap of U.K. acts that sell massively within the confines of the island nations but fail to register nearly as much here, even though a respectable number of Stateside tastemakers have given a collective thumbs-up. Though the quintet has put out five albums—including the new Start The Revolution Without Me—the momentum has yet to achieve anything near that of its 2005 debut Employment. That record spawned the hit “I Predict A Riot,” as well as a spot on the coveted Mercury Prize short list. Subsequent albums failed to find another radio-friendly party anthem—though 2008’s Franz Ferdinand-esque “Ruby” comes close—and Start The Revolution is likely no different. Still, the clamorous bursts of rocking psychedelia on “Little Shocks” work despite the lack of another sing-along chorus. 

Updated 04/10/2012