Divisive though they are – chief vocalist Hayden Thorpe's counter-tenor can be a sticking point – Wild Beasts are no longer cultish outsiders. Their last LP was Mercury-shortlisted, they will headline festivals this summer and their terrific third LP feels like an exercise in fine-tuning a winning formula. These brooding songs coax a wonderful strangeness from their interplay of voices, murky grooves and ringing guitars. Thorpe's lyrics remain an acquired taste, but you'll forgive fruity come-ons such as: "New squeeze… I've flatpacked myself for your ease" when the music is as shiveringly atmospheric as this.
Contributor
Ally Carnwath
Ally Carnwath writes on Africa and music for the Guardian and Observer
Ally Carnwath
The GuardianTramp
