Unique UK indie poppers Wild Beasts have experienced an odd wave of success since releasing their critically acclaimed debut Limbo, Panto in 2008. The band's tried-and-true formula of mournful yet bouncy tunes, fronted by the operatic countertenor of vocalist Hayden Thorpe, has skyrocketed the band to being one of today's most universally critically acclaimed groups. While the band's lyrical content is rather samey (sex sex sex sex sex sex sex), Thorpe has always done an astounding job of looking at the subject from a rather large number of angles and personas. Smother continues the band's natural progression, with most of these songs taking on a much more somber mood than their earlier tracks.
These ten tracks don't really see the band exploring much new territory, but expanding on what they're good at already. For instance, Standout "Reach a Bit Further" feels like an updated version of "All The King's Men" from their previous album Two Dancers, with its triplet-heavy melodies and groovy tom-snare beat. "Reach a Bit Further" is pretty much the only standard upbeat song on the whole record; even though others ("Loop the Loop," "Bed of Nails") are quick-tappers, they are musically subdued and thus feel like ballads anyway. Not that this is a bad thing, every song on this record is achingly gorgeous, especially when given multiple listens.
I'm no expert on Wild Beasts' music, but the main difference I've noticed between this album and their others is the increased focus on electronics. This is most clearly heard on "Bed of Nails" and especially on "Burning," which is awash in ambient, almost drone-like manipulated guitar strumming and background noise. There's nothing transcendently masterful about this record, but it is a collection of beautiful tracks that can be challenging, but greatly rewarding if given the chance. 4.4/5.
Couple other recent big releases that I won't have time to do full reviews of:
Tyler, the Creator - Goblin - "Yonkers" is incredible, sadly the rest of the album just doesn't match up. Like Tyler says, it's made for him, not me. 3/5.
Okkervil River - I Am Very Far - Much more groove-based than their previous work, sadly it bores me a bit, maybe I just need to listen more. 3.2/5.
