It's recently come to my attention that there are other blogs out there, Stereogum in particular, who are head over heels for English rockers Wild Beasts. I listened to some of their songs from their upcoming release Two Dancers (out 9/8 on Domino) and immediately fell in love with the band's whimsical, pulsating indie rock. At the center of my obsession is lead singer Hayden Thorpe's absolutely transcendent, rich and deep falseto. It's an intriguing mix that is sure to catapult the band onto the radars of many once Two Dancers is released.
My introduction to Wild Beasts was "Hooting & Howling," a kooky, fun little track that acted as a brilliant hello to Thorpe's rich, complex singing style. It starts off with Thorpe singing a line that has since lodged itself firmly in my head, "Carry me / Hooting and howling / To the river to wash off my hands / Of the hot blood, the sweat and the sand." The subtle piano kicks in, and the song is quickly joined by the drums and guitars -- adding this irresistible climbing quality to the track that keeps building throughout the length of the song. Once the rock guitars come into place during the chorus, the song is complete, and Two Dancers firmly cement its place as one of 2009's best, if not most intriguing, albums.
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