Taming the Beast

Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
2009
3.5 stars

From the first sustained, synthesised note of Two Dancers, it's made clear that this British four-piece have taken a giant leap forward from their 2008 debut. A giant leap musically, definitely, but perhaps also a giant leap in their attitude toward what they do. Limbo, Panto was a good album, and showcased four talented musicians, but rested more heavily on the shock value of Hayden Thorpe's trans-gender-cabaret vocals than the actual quality of its songs. Two Dancers is different — Thorpe's vocals are still jarring in their warbling high-register, but second-teir singer Tom Flemming's gruff Interpol-esque voice takes more of a front-of-house role, and the taut, angular guitar lines of old have grown into epic, melancholy — almost loungy at times — swooning soundscapes, worthy of Coldplay or Doves. This Is Our Lot is the clear standout on this album; a big-hearted pop anthem full of acoustic swells and interesting time-signatures — a guaranteed hit. All of this shows that this is a band willing to outgrow their indie roots, something which will hold them in good stead for the inevitable turning of the tide of trends. Once Thorpe finds a cage to fit his fierce falsetto, these guys will be a band appreciated by those well away from the musical fringes.

Published in mX, Thursday September 17, 2009.

Wild Pantomime

Limbo, Panto
Wild Beasts
Domino, 2008
4 stars

How, and why, a group of twenty-one year old lads put together an album like this is astounding. When I was twenty-one I was still listening to Wu Tang, but with Limbo, Panto these guys have produced something far more sinister than any of the 36 Chambers - modern British math-tinged dinner-theatre rock. No, that’s not a mis-type. Hayden Thorpe’s falsetto is a weapon – at times he sounds like a wounded drag queen, but accompanied by some great keys and chiming indie guitars it’s a truly unique sound, and surprisingly palatable. Disregarding the vocals for a second (if you can), the instrumentation sounds like a more baroque, theatrical version of the Editors. The band produce some really engaging moments, such as bright opener Vigil For A Fuddy Duddy and the dark playfulness of Woebegone Wanderers - all in all, Limbo, Panto is easily one of the most welcome strangers to emerge in 2008.

Artwork: B
Bands are using old-world serif fonts on their album designs all over the place these days, but this is one band whose sound the look actually fits. The cover photo just looks like (surprise, surprise) a bunch of 21-year-olds goofing around with kitchen utensils and a slow shutter-speed, but the photos and text layouts on the inside of the booklet are nice and elegant, portraying a dark, twisted feel that perfectly compliments their skewed baroque sound.

Published in mX, Thursday July 17, 2008