Listen: Wild Beasts - "Sweet Spot"

                                                        (photo by Klaus Thymann)

One of the most exciting things about British art rock foursome Wild Beasts' triumphant return isn't the shedding of their use of guitars but rather that it takes you so long to notice. Wild Beasts are a band completely devoid of controversy and spectacle so it's rather fitting that one of the most polarizing bits of news about the band would be the hardest to pinpoint, the easiest for them to cover.

"Sweet Spot", the second single from Wild Beasts' upcoming fourth record Present Tense, continues the band's full on immersion in the world of stuttering synth pop. But far more impressive is it sees the return of the dual vocals of Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming. It's been a while since we've heard them together that it was rather easy to forget just how perfectly they fit together but now, under the blessed union of "Sweet Spot", the two gracefully swap vocal duties. Though Fleming's vocals serve mostly as another timbre for Wild Beasts to explore and exploit in their subtle mastery of tone and texture, they're certainly appreciated as short lived as they inclusion is. Unlike "Wanderlust", "Sweet Spot" operates its tonal shifts on a subtler level - from the addition/removal of layers rather than juggling of various musical ideas.  



Wild Beast's fourth full length record Present Tense is out February 25th on Domino.

Watch: Wild Beasts - "Wanderlust"

To say I've been waiting for a new Wild Beasts record since the released their last record Smother back in 2011 would not be an understatement at all. But the English art rock band needs time to create and I suppose their fans have no other course of action but to wait. Recently the band has started to drop several hints as well as appear in collaborations that the new record was not only done but coming. And soon. Today, instead of their normal website, was a full screen video player of their latest single "Wanderlust".

Where do I begin? How do I love "Wanderlust"? Let me count the ways. While one of my favorite things about Wild Beasts was the juxtaposition between their obvious sophistication and the not so classy subject matter (Sex. I'm talking about the Wild Beasts talking about sex.), they're not one-trick ponies and they have other things to sing about.

The video for "Wanderlust" takes four very different characters and linked by a common thread of being on the run and kind of goes to town with that. Two very much have reasons to be: The Quarterback and The Thief run as part of their jobs while The Good Lady and The Girl are on the run from others. Let me back up. Because Wild Beasts aren't the kind of band to drop you in the middle of the action and hope you pick up on whatever the hell is happening. The protagonists don't start at a run, just like the Wild Beasts don't start at the climax. It's a slow build, a steady climb, a graceful surge as the floodgates of adrenaline and emotion burst wide open.



Wild Beasts' use of synth are nothing sort of elegant, the drums clean and polished, and Hayden Thorpe's vocals are stunning immaculate. Wild Beasts continue to create music with a watchmaker's precision which is even more captivating giving the songs' messy subject matter. Welcome back Wild Beasts, we missed you.

No word just yet on the new album but a new single is incredibly good news so stay tuned for some news on that hopefully very soon in the future.

Pitstop: Zulu Winter

Featured on Listen Before You Buy's Best Songs of 2011 shortlist as well as their Ones to Watch for 2012 artist listing, I can't really explain why it's taken me so long to get into Zulu Winter. I remember hearing a song of there's a couple months back and being impressed enough to put the release of their debut album Language on my own personal list of upcoming album releases.

So what is it about Zulu Winter that had me decide to buy their album based solely on one song? Well, the London indie rock quintet play a sort of intricate, precisely layered rock that belies their rather short time together. Listening to any of their songs might remind you of other British rockers Wild Beasts but not in a copycat sense - more for the similar driving tempos with layers of instrumental complexity. Zulu Winter play the kind of perfectly balanced pop rock that's a favorite of mine to listen to. The kind that doesn't trade in the rock for a more accessibility and the potential for radio play. Mind you, Zulu Winter's music is very catchy and would be perfect for radio but their music is easily the kind that's worth waiting in line to see. Equally at home in intimate venues as well as the arenas they seem destined to play. Zulu Winter play the kind of guilt-free pop rock that I think everyone's looking for. Sure to become an instant favorite even if it does take you awhile to realize it.

Get a taste of Zulu Winter:






Their debut album Language is out May 14th in the UK and June 19th stateside so mark your calendars because you won't want to miss it.