English foursome Wild Beasts have made the topic of sex their milieu. The lyrical theatrics, both in content and delivery, are obvious in their epicene eroticism. On their third album Smother the instrumentation shares equal billing with the vocal acrobatics of Hayden Thorpe. Aching rhythms, playful guitar and opaque keys drift through the mix like a cloud, caressing the listener into a sleepy lull as Thorpe's falsetto embraces tightly and breathes right in your ear. The soaring drama of "Lion's Share" initiates Smother on a dark path, speaking of unredeemed sin and predatory intimacy. The laziness of "Deeper" loosens the reins a bit with a passionate croon and causal piano. The overtures get aggressively seductive on "Plaything" as the percussion intertwines with Thorpe's coos making pure bedroom fodder.
Wild Beasts are at their mightiest on "Loop The Loop" when the guitar finds that playful, circular groove setting a trap one would not want to escape. "Reach A Bit Further" extends that riff, as Thorpe's apologies for his stated indiscretions also encourage limits to be stretched. The aptly titled "End Come Too Soon" finishes out the album like daybreak, a Shakespearean ode to a carnal experience that is equally grateful for the memories and lamenting that all things must end. Ultimately Smother is a detailed exploration that is not for the faint of heart. Vocals featuring such poetic pornography and unabashed androgyny can be a bit unsettling. Glimpses into such private moments often are.
Bonus: Stream selections from Smother and watch the video for "Albatross" below.
Purchase Smother here: CD | Vinyl | mp3
Albatross (Download)
Plaything
Loop the Loop
Reach A Bit Further
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