Kaiser Chiefs

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• Genre: Brit Rock
• Hometown: Leeds
• Kaiser Chiefs Website

About

Inspired by Brit icons -- from the Kinks and the Jam to Oasis and Blur -- the Kaiser Chiefs' mod vibe and post-punk hooks quickly grabbed the attention of postmillennial listeners searching for a new brand of old rock. The lads from Leeds took their name from the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs, in honor of former player Lucas Radebe, who also captained the Leeds United team. Although their bopping rockers "Oh My God" and "I Predict a Riot" first released in 2004, their mainstream success came after the re-issues of these singles in 2005, helping bring their critically-praised debut album, Employment, to the masses. The buzz in the U.K. soon spread and the quintet became popular among hipsters digging the newest crop of Brit bands like Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand and the Futureheads. The Chiefs became known for their energetic performances, opening the 2005 Philadelphia Live 8 concert and appearing at numerous U.K. festivals, earning them a 2006 Brit Award for Best British Live Act. In early 2007, they released Yours Truly, Angry Mob, with lead single "Ruby" reaching No. 1 on the U.K. charts.

- Stephanie Benson