Limbo, Panto

The Leeds based, Kendal born four-piece Wild Beasts have created a collection of 10 beautiful, eccentric, very British tales that could be the most unique album you will hear this year. In another time and place, you imagine these dramatic sing-a-ling shanties could have been the fitting 'stiff upper lip' finale of the Titanic. They whisper of literary greats: the wit of Noel Coward, the wholesomeness of Wordsworth and the romance of Keats, as 'Heave-hos' and 'Cheerios' mix with modern day lyrics of 'chips with cheese', big matches and casual sex. There's a natural and noble approach to pop music on display here folks; the rhythm of a firm hand shake, waltzing guitar gestures and the angelic vocal soaring of lead singer Hayden Thorpe offer a rare and disarming range and yet the new single 'The Devil's Crayon' sung by bassist Tom Fleming shows yet another magical dynamic to the band's talents.