It is easy to see why so many are getting pulled into the Wild Beasts’ delectable musical abyss.
Prior to this year’s release of Present Tense they boasted an impressive three album catalogue spanning from falsetto laden literary theatrics to sensual baritone thickened ballads. Now, their repertoire includes beautiful pulsing electronics with a range of percussive syncopation. Combining these elements provides an irresistible serving that is suited to a range of aural palates.
When asked about their fourth album earlier this year, the band’s joint spokesmen Hayden Thorpe and Tom Fleming were fidgety and somewhat defensive of its ‘new direction’. Fleming’s need to, “justify the band’s existence,” armed fans for something completely different to the popular Smother (2011) which left them edgy and concerned about the Wild Beasts’ future.
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These concerns have since been laid to rest. Present Tense is now a favourite amongst many aficionados with singles like ‘Wunderlust’ and ‘Simple Beautiful Truth’ receiving positive acclaim from both critics and supporters. “When you release a record, you expect an avalanche of criticism,” admits Fleming when explaining the band’s back foot approach to promoting Present Tense. He admits that, “you have to know why you made it….what it’s for…and stand behind it,” and that whether it is rationalisation or post-rationalisation, the band can now proclaim that they are as proud of the current record as those that have preceded it.
Why should the Wild Beasts alter their successful sound (even if not as drastically as many expected) if they thought it may confuse or even alienate long-term listeners? Fleming explained because music is, “supposed to be an art form…it’s supposed to be provoking,” and that, “if you want to be a big man and get up on stage you’d better have something interesting to say.” The band want to challenge themselves and their listeners to hear, accept, and ultimately enjoy something different.
In a live setting, Wild Beasts want to speak to their audience members as individuals rather than one hulking mass. They’re intent on keeping their feet on the ground but still find it, “humbling,” to see their music affect people in the crowd in myriad ways. Fleming believes that once they start searching for a complete crowd reaction rather than playing for, “lots of one person,” the band will, “reassess what the fuck we’re doing.”
Perhaps it is this insatiable desire to include the people in their music that has made them so successful. The exaggerated and technically difficult days of Limbo, Panto (2008) are behind Wild Beasts as the need to differentiate themselves by establishing an, “athletic musicians,” tag is no longer. They now focus on being a, “modern band with modern methods,” and have no room for complacency. Because, “people expect exceptional things,” from all artists, Wild Beasts want to do their best, “not to short change people.” Acknowledging that their aims are lofty, Fleming remains adamant not to play, “dumbed down,” music as they try to leave an impression on the listener.
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Wild Beasts are a band that, “like playing shows. That’s what we do.” They are driven to indelibly etch themselves in their audience’s minds through unexpected provocation and skilful execution. This requires planned and organic inspiration and alteration. Sometimes, their progression leads them into areas that may seem unfamiliar or challenging to the technically brilliant musicians and emotionally warm songwriters but they know that these efforts enable them to remain relevant.
Simplifying their ideas to be more instantly accessible has been a challenge but it is one the band relishes. Wild Beasts are not merely searching for a number one commercial pop hit but are interested in impacting thousands of people at their shows. Such an ideal encourages them to constantly test their artistic boundaries and facilitates positive growth.
Wild Beasts’ Present Tense was made with a, “genuine desire to sound different,” from their previous records whilst still, “maintaining the backbone,” of their signature sound. They have toured extensively and will play Splendour in the Grass, Sydney, and Melbourne before flying out to connect with thousands more individual people across the world.
Wild Beasts 2014 Australian Tour
Monday 28th | July Manning Bar, Sydney (18+)
Tuesday 29th | July Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (18+)
Tickets and info: www.lanewaypresents.com.
