Sound: August Releases
Monday, September 14th, 2009
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Vocalist Hayden’s stunning falsetto voice makes me wonder what he would sound like alongside Anthony Hegarty in a duet. And then there’s Tom Fleming, providing a second leading vocal, and a complete opposite to Hayden in vocal range. You can’t say that Wild Beasts sound like any other band, not even remotely. As soon as you think you’re hearing 80s influences the song changes its rhythm or melody slightly and puts you off your balance. Their songs are haunting and melodious and draw you into their glorious depth immediately. I love the softly singing guitar, the piano elegantly dancing around everything else. It all fits in together and makes perfect sense. Even if you’re not immediately convinced, you can’t deny the fact that these guys have taken their job seriously and invested a lot of time, love and energy into this collection of very well-crafted songs. Good stuff!
A favourite: ‘All The Kings’ Men’ [this is one of those songs that get stuck in your head for a week]
A Fine Frenzy – Bomb In A Birdcage
Having heard of Alison Sodul around the time of the release of her first album I thought I owe her at least of few minutes of my time to listen. Those minutes aren’t wasted. I’m getting in a of a pickle if I come up with comparisons between her and others singing redheads, so I’ll refrain from doing so! This is truly a lovely record from a lady with a pleasant voice and looks. It’s all A OK, but I’m still struggling with a few things. Maybe I’ve really become too impatient and need a lot more time to let this one sink in. Maybe it’s the production, which is a little too polished to my taste. Maybe it’s that I mistook her for Avril Lavigne at several moments during my listening session. But overall it’s a record perfect to play in the background on a late, breezy autumn afternoon.
A favourite: ‘Electric Twist’
Frankmusik – Complete Me
Why can’t I just believe people? Frankmusik has been showing up as support act for Keane during their Perfect Symmetry tour this spring. It was a bit of a shock for people who are used to generic, indie guitar bands who usually support bigger bands these days. Though Keane somehow find time to listen to new music and that’s how Frankmusik got picked as support act. His style could be described as pop, in its purest form. Though there’s something special about the songs, a certain catchiness that make them both radio-friendly, more than ready for the dancefloor ànd keep the nitpicking lovers of the Perfect Popsong happy. I’m happy anyway!
A favourite: ‘Better Off As 2′
fun. – Aim and Ignite
With a majority in up-tempo songs you’ll get the jest of it immediately. This is a band that stand for what they named themselves. Party! They somehow remind me of The Jayhawks musically, which for me personally is a comforting thought as I LOVE The Jayhawks. ‘At Least I’m Not As Sad’ sounds like a crazy Mika/Dresden Dolls mashup. But really, it’s a great record, I can’t put it any other way! It’s charming, funny, warm. You’d wish you could change the cd into a human being. If fun.’s tunes doesn’t put a smile on your face I don’t know what will.
A favourite: ‘Walking The Dog’
