Smother by Wild Beasts

It’d be reductive to try and describe a timeless album like Smother as a step up from its two predecessors.

Smother is touching and majestic, a surprise of juxtaposition that is at once both plaintive and emotional, strident and libidinous.

A not-entirely-minimalist record, but one that scales back every element of its songwriting enough that each note seems precious.

What makes this all work so well is the remarkable amount of restraint and rhythmic know-how these four employ.

Smother is an exercise in moderation, trying to find the precise balance between audacious beauty and emotional intelligence.

Every track is a case study in masterful composition, as each disparate musical element is seamlessly integrated into its respective song.

Smother may lack the proper drive of Two Dancers, but it succeeds in whittling down what has become Wild Beasts’ motif.

But overall, Smother seems to be missing purpose.

indie pop, brilliantly written songs faultlessly sung, catchy tunes yet stirring lyrics, great production