Present Tense
*Present Tense*—the fourth album by the Cumbrian, U.K., quartet Wild Beasts—took nearly a year away from touring to rightfully conceive. Written in London and recorded at Konk Studios in London and The Distillery in Bath, with coproducers Lexx (Arcade Fire, Madonna) and Brian Eno protegé Leo Abrahams, the album achieves a level of consistency and emotional richness that was often harder to unscramble in Wild Beasts\' angst-ridden early works. But Hayden Thorpe looks to learn more about himself with each album, taking his fans with him. The opener and debut single, “Wanderlust,” features plenty of daring sounds and a confrontational stance: “Don’t confuse me with someone who gives a \*\*\*\*.” But songs like “Pregnant Pause,” “Mecca,” and “Daughters” tread closer to a Scott Walker/Talk Talk vibe, where much goes on under the surface. Second vocalist Tom Fleming provides a steadying counterpoint. The easy accessibility of “A Simple Beautiful Truth” is something that their earlier selves never would have allowed but clearly should have, since every story has a moment of reflection—and you catch more fans with honey.
The distinctive sound of Wild Beasts—the dueling voices of Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming, a sleek and supple rhythm section, immaculate production—remains on the new Present Tense, but there's a marked shift in lyrical tone. This is on the surface a more domesticated Wild Beasts, but they've lost none of their skill for sharp observation.
The distinctive sound of Wild Beasts—the dueling voices of Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming, a sleek and supple rhythm section, immaculate production—remains on the new Present Tense, but there's a marked shift in lyrical tone. This is on the surface a more domesticated Wild Beasts, but they've lost none of their skill for sharp observation.
On their fourth record, the Kendal boys take the lyrical and musical gambles of their careers to turn in the best British record since OK Computer.
On their fourth record, the Kendal boys take the lyrical and musical gambles of their careers to turn in the best British record since OK Computer.
It’s easy for bands to get trapped in artistic cul-de-sacs, releasing variations of a formula until they’re a “whatever…
It’s easy for bands to get trapped in artistic cul-de-sacs, releasing variations of a formula until they’re a “whatever…
Wild Beasts' fourth album finds the Kendal quartet comfortable in their own skin, yet choosing to funnel that confidence into a development of their sound, rather than rest on their laurels. And what a sound it is: oxygenated by clean synths and carried by Chris Talbot's sentient percussion, Present Tense is an exercise in delivering impact through seemingly minimal means.
Wild Beasts' fourth album finds the Kendal quartet comfortable in their own skin, yet choosing to funnel that confidence into a development of their sound, rather than rest on their laurels. And what a sound it is: oxygenated by clean synths and carried by Chris Talbot's sentient percussion, Present Tense is an exercise in delivering impact through seemingly minimal means.
British art rockers Wild Beasts may hail from the wilds of Cumbria in the far north of England, but their music has always defied their craggy-landscaped origin and ferocious name.
British art rockers Wild Beasts may hail from the wilds of Cumbria in the far north of England, but their music has always defied their craggy-landscaped origin and ferocious name.
Album review: Wild Beats, 'Wanderlust'. Clash calls the fourth album from the Domino-signed quartet a "remarkable" collection... Because that's what it is.
Album review: Wild Beats, 'Wanderlust'. Clash calls the fourth album from the Domino-signed quartet a "remarkable" collection... Because that's what it is.
Below the surface of the Wild Beasts' understated fourth album lie drama and subtlety in equal measure, writes <strong>Phil Mongredien</strong>
Below the surface of the Wild Beasts' understated fourth album lie drama and subtlety in equal measure, writes <strong>Phil Mongredien</strong>
Wild Beasts are still revelling in their idiosyncrasies, but this time they've honed those weird flourishes to perfection, writes <strong>Rebecca Nicholson</strong>
Wild Beasts are still revelling in their idiosyncrasies, but this time they've honed those weird flourishes to perfection, writes <strong>Rebecca Nicholson</strong>
Wild Beasts - Present Tense review: Album #4, electro-pop's the drink of the day and Wild Beasts are determined to be difficult.
Wild Beasts - Present Tense review: Album #4, electro-pop's the drink of the day and Wild Beasts are determined to be difficult.
In a fairly dry climate for original new music Wild Beasts have for the past six years been an oasis of fascination. With this, the Kendal schoolmates’ fourth album, their impeccable indie credentials, including an eclectic musical palette, gnomically allusive lyrics, an authentic quirky northernness, and Pulpishly progressive social attitudes, have drawn such an audience that a mainstream breakthrough threatens. The songs’ subject matter, including wrestling and dogs, is endearingly left-field.
In a fairly dry climate for original new music Wild Beasts have for the past six years been an oasis of fascination. With this, the Kendal schoolmates’ fourth album, their impeccable indie credentials, including an eclectic musical palette, gnomically allusive lyrics, an authentic quirky northernness, and Pulpishly progressive social attitudes, have drawn such an audience that a mainstream breakthrough threatens. The songs’ subject matter, including wrestling and dogs, is endearingly left-field.