• Wild Beasts
• ‘Limbo, Panto’
• (Domino)

The debut album from Wild Beasts is an enchanting record that at times can be just a tad strange or even, confused. But you certainly won’t hear anything else quite like it.

With song titles such as ‘Vigil For A Fuddy Duddy’, ‘The Old Dog’ and ‘Cheerio Chaps’, you can be pretty damn sure that ‘Limbo, Panto’ is a giddy fairground ride of an album.

Singer Hayden Thorpe’s vocals veer between falsetto and primal scream as he blurts out phrases like “win the big match” and “casual sex with a hard up thug”. Sounding at times like he is using his voice to vent an emotional frustration, Thorpe’s unusual register only adds to the album’s confidence, vulnerability and charm.

‘Limbo, Panto’ is a widescreen and shimmering debut that makes a conscious effort to be as individual as possible.

Produced by Tore Johansson, the album sounds full of space, totally unique and surprisingly accessible. The openness and humour of the music is part of its undeniable strength and its greatest vulnerability.

‘The Devil’s Canyon’ sung by bassist Tom Fleming comes across like some kind of British road trip music. While ‘The Old Dog, She Purred, While I Grrred’ is like something from the 1930s.

Wild Beasts are an extremely rare proposition in this day and age – a band happy to stand or fall on their own terms and letting their muse be their wayward guide. ‘Limbo’ Panto’ is breathtakingly refreshing.

(4/5)

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