Just six short months ago we commented on what a surprise it was – albeit a pleasant one – to see rock giants Kasabian headlining Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall.

Having sold out a string of arenas, toured with their idols Oasis and having described themselves as being “built to headline festivals”, we were a little shocked to see them taking to the city’s slightly humble stage.

And it seems that perhaps they too were thinking they should aim bigger and so when they return to the Midlands on Tuesday, they do so at Birmingham’s massive NIA.

The Civic show was a bit of a one off – it was one of just four intimate warm-up gigs the Leicester-based rockers played to get them ready for the festival season.

Since then, the band has gone on to release their fourth studio album.

Velociraptor! was released last September and shot straight to the number one spot – although it has received a bit of a mixed response from the critics.

Before its release, the four-piece spoke of how they were taking a “new direction” with their music and the result has prompted some reviewers to slate the band for becoming too tame.

But singer Tom Meighan says this is definitelky not the case: “Sometimes we don’t get the credit we deserve.

“Some of the songs on the new record are beautifully crafted pop songs – Man Of Simple Pleasures is heartbreaking. Some Kasabian fans say we’ve got a bit tame, but we can’t do Club Foot forever.”

Their success since their debut release in 2004 has led to a number of comparisons with their heroes Oasis but the Kasabian boys this week spoke out to deny that they will fill the void left when the Manchester band split.

“Maybe we’ve got the same spirit as them, but we’re a different band,” said Tom. “They were one-offs. A phenomenon.”

Guitarist Serge Pizzorno added: “We’re not anything like them. It’s an honour to be compared to them, because Noel and Liam are why we’re here, but musically we’re nothing like them.”

Limited tickets are still available for Tuesday night’s gig at the NIA, visit www.theticketfactory.co.uk

Amy Burns