Velociraptor!
by Kasabian
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 20, 2011
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. American Songwriter
    Oct 13, 2011
    60
    The "big-in-England" quartet's fourth release is more of the same that made them so admired overseas;ie trippy yet expansive psychedelic Brit-pop sung and played with attitude (some may say ego), a whip smart attention to melody and an arena sensibility/swagger that screams "rock stars."
  2. BBC Music
    Sep 20, 2011
    60
    Velociraptor! is neither the classic Pizzorno insists it is, nor the numbskull stadium rock cynics will presume it is.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 20, 2011
    50
    For the most part, it feels like either overweening confidence or desire to snare rudderless Oasis fans has led to Kasabian attempting the sort of conventional guitar pop record that they've always so successfully avoided making.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 19, 2011
    60
    So while Velociraptor! takes us to a few different destinations than we may have expected, it is ultimately going to elicit the same divisive response which its three predecessors did.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 19, 2011
    40
    Simple Pleasures aside, Kasabian sound a little less desperate to prove themselves to Oasis fans this time around.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 74
  3. Negative: 2 out of 74
  1. clem666
    May 3, 2021
    6
    'Velociraptor!' contains as many fillers as it contains bright ideas. Kasabian digs further into rock'n'roll but also manage to get closer to'Velociraptor!' contains as many fillers as it contains bright ideas. Kasabian digs further into rock'n'roll but also manage to get closer to other sounds and genres like the synths on 'Neon Noon' and 'I Hear Voices' or the electro beats on 'Switchblade Smiles'. The quality of melodies oscillate between honestly flat and just surprising, without ever being truly rewarding. The whole product remains almost interesting to listen to even if Kasabian clearly state not to propose anything new or crazy-original.

    They do here what they apparently can do at their best: getting a deep breath of their inspirations and release them back almost perfectly like they were before. Fortunately the band recieved an appropriate help to get their own identity. It is far from being achieved but it still remains a step in the right direction.    … Full Review »
  2. nirvanafreak
    Aug 19, 2015
    8
    Rating:9.5/10
    Fav Tracks:I Hear Voices,Velociraptor!,Re-Wired
    Least Fav Tracks:Neon Noon I would have said this was 6/10 4 years ago. God,    Rating:9.5/10
    Fav Tracks:I Hear Voices,Velociraptor!,Re-Wired
    Least Fav Tracks:Neon Noon
    I would have said this was 6/10 4 years ago. God, I was dumb as **** This is Kasabian's 4th album and to me it's their best. The album is just such a nice fusion of genres, most notably electronic and indie rock, and this really keeps the listener on their toes throughout the record. The band never hover on the same sound or vibe for too long and they don't overdo the electronic instrumentation. It sounds like Kasabian are really having fun on this record (I mean the titular track is just such a joy to hear it makes you wanna bounce off the walls) and when needed, the vocalist Tom really transmits his high energy to the listener. I love that album cover as well, it's great that they finally made use of Sergio's beautiful hair     … Full Review »
  3. axelkoch
    Nov 27, 2012
    7
    Kind of album you'll hear while getting high. Everything here seems very drug-alike, the voice, the lyrics or the sound of the music. I reallyKind of album you'll hear while getting high. Everything here seems very drug-alike, the voice, the lyrics or the sound of the music. I really enjoy chilling to this album with songs like "Acid Turkish Bath", "La Fée Verte" or "Days Are Forgotten". The best track on the CD is, of course, the 2nd single "Re-Wired", which is a great rock track, in contrast to the rest of 'Velociraptor!'. The tunes are catchy and the songs are diversive. It's nothing really spectacular but defintely good work.… Full Review »
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