Smother by Wild Beasts
LABEL: Domino Recording Co.

Smother, the third album by English group Wild Beasts, boasts seamless production as well as lead singer Hayden Thorpe’s trademark falsetto. Thorpe’s vocals glide over driving minimalist keyboards, guitars, drums and ephemera. The boys in this band want to do naughty things and they’re not afraid to express it.  Lyrics include “you’re my plaything” and “I would lie anywhere with you.” Their confidence helps them pull off a style that is exceedingly off the mainstream.

“I liken the album to an anonymous roll in the hay with an intriguing yet slightly-off stranger who quietly leaves the next day.”

Most songs start out slowly and maintain a circular drum loop throughout, adding in bare keyboard strokes and slowly gather momentum as they progress. The lead vocals carry an operatic gusto complimented by wide-ranging harmonies and a poignant, bird-like range. Some invite singing while no one is looking; though I found myself feeling a bit sheepish when trying to mimic the bravado in the vocals, it was fun all the same. Repetitive lyrics don’t grate but accentuate: the emptiness of the songs allow them to stick more firmly to the walls of your mind.

On “Reach A Bit Further,” band member Tom Flemings vocals contribute a richness you didn’t know you had been craving, adding a pivotal harmony. The song manages to straddle acceptance and yearning at the same time. Fleming shines on “Invisible,” as well, lending an alto bass to the song that balances out the bold highs in Thorpe’s vocals. “Plaything” builds to a climax in a strongly sexual fashion.  “Albatross,” is minimal yet contains more than meets the initial listen. Repeating lyrics invite singing along. The chorus is smooth, melodic and powerful: “I blame you/for all of those things I’ve been through”.

Defying easy classification, Wild Beasts is definitely a band worth checking out. Smother is a good listen on car trips, in reflective moments or even while doing something productive...or something naughty. I liken the album to an anonymous roll in the hay with an intriguing yet slightly-off stranger who quietly leaves the next day. You wonder, “What the hell just happened?”, not sure if you want to share the experience with others or just keep it to yourself.


REVIEWED BY KYRSTEN BEAN
KYRSTEN’S FAVORITE TRACKS: “Reach a Bit Further” • “Albatross”
Kyrsten Bean is a freelance writer, a musician and a photographer.