Wild Beasts - Reach A Bit Further

I've never really followed this band particularly closely, but I do know they've built up quite a following with their dude-from-Gene-fronting-The-National style heart-on-sleeveisms. This four song EP, confusingly marked '33' but actually playing at 45 on the A side, continues with this dusky and dramatic indie pop feel to good effect. To be honest their singer's warbly croon is a bit wearing for me over a whole album but it's easier to stomach on a short form release. On the flip (which actually does play at 33) we've got the piano-led misery of 'Smother' and then another downbeat one with wibbly synthetic bass and more piano. I like the hypnotic way that they've layered the tones and textures in this but the vocals scupper it for me. It's accomplished enough stuff, though, and if Hayden Thorpe's voice doesn't grate on you like it does me you'll probably find this a really engaging listen. Tell ya what, though, this three-coloured vinyl looks good enough to eat.