Kasabian are an English Indie band formed in Leicestershire in 1997. Originally comprising vocalist Tom Meighan, guitarist and keyboardist Christopher Karloff, guitarist and backing vocalist Sergio Pizzorno and bassist Chris Edwards, the band has released four studio albums – Kasabian (2004), Empire (2006), West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009), and Velociraptor! (2011). The band currently features Meighan, Pizzorno, Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews and former touring guitarist Jay Mehler who became a full-time member in late 2010. Pizzorno has become Kasabian's lead songwriter since Karloff's departure.