Kaiser Chiefs

Zilker Park, Sept. 25

“If it got this hot in Leeds, England, we’d think the world was going to end,” shared Kaiser Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson near the beginning of his band’s set. “So, let’s party as if it were.” Even though there were moments when he appeared near fainting, Wilson kept his promise. It would take a lot of charm to sell songs called “Everyday I Love You Less and Less” as simply irresistible, but that’s what the Kaiser Chiefs did. Songs from their deadly-infectious debut Employment pumped and popped during one of the hottest periods all weekend. Wilson got the communal vibe working early, as he leapt into the audience for “I Predict a Riot.” In-between songs, he showered his neck with water (“This is how I drink now – I’m like Mork”) and poured Blur-loving rock onto eager fans. The band went the distance, but it was Wilson running the marathon. Luckily, his onstage behavior translates as sheepish instead of cocky, though any performer willing to climb the stage scaffolding for a thunderous take on “Oh My God” can be as arrogant as he wants.

This article appears in September 30 • 2005.

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