Kasabian @ Columbiahalle, Berlin 31/10/17 (Gig Review)

A human firework explosion about to blow, with everyone on the floor eagerly waiting to jump in unison. Wait, what? Berlin are cast under Kasabian’s spell this Halloween at Columbiahalle - mental isn’t even the word.

The backdrop is the tears on the For Crying Out Loud album cover and they open the set with Kasabian classics; ‘Underdog’, ‘Shoot The Runner’ and ‘Days Are Forgotten’ whilst also spontaneously covering a short version of Daft Punk's 'Around The World'. Both lead guitarist Sergio Pizzorno and lead singer Tom Meighan are dressed in all white. Sergio added some black bones to his outfit, fitting with the Halloween theme and Meighan is wearing a long white parka - nothing too scary.

Meighan says to the crowd, “How many psychos are out there? Come on it’s Halloween.” Immediately, everyone knew what was coming next ‘You’re In Love With A Psycho’, from their new album - and the crowd regurgitate every word to the articulately pronounced lyrics.

Meighen consistently attempts to speak German (but does so very badly), and is forever saying ‘danke’ but from here onwards the gig just gets better - the Berliners LOVE IT. “Trick or Treat?” Meighan shouts, then Kasabian go into their seven-minute track of dirty dance, electro techno beats; ‘Treat’.

Once they leave the stage, the crowd are left chanting for an encore, humming the intro to ‘Days Are Forgotten’ and Kasabian return back to where they belong and absolutely smash the lights out of three more songs; ‘Comeback Kid’ and older classics ‘Vlad The Impaler’ and ‘Fire’.

The human firework explosion blows up on the chorus to ‘Fire’ as Sergio dictates the audience in unison. The extended set list flies by, their new songs go down just as well as their old tunes - if not better. Kasabian live up to their name, exceeding any expectations I previously had.  It just goes to show that old dogs can learn new tricks, they are masters of their trade.