NME/Radio 1 Stage
Following their Mercury Prize nomination, a sizeable crowd turned up for Wild Beasts on the NME/Radio 1 Stage. With a newfound expectancy the Kendal-based band impressed from the very start with throbbing soundscapes to opener 'The Fun Powder Plot' as lead singer Hayden Thorpe's deep, affecting vocals transported the track to a dreamy, other-worldly place. 'All The Kings Men' proved far more enveloping with careering drums and bassist Tom Fleming's earthy intones.
To warm the natives, Thorpe introduced debut single 'Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants' as "a song about Leeds and written in Leeds". Such geniality impressed as did their enviable, tasteful sound with a blend of lithe guitar and ethereal sweet vocals you could dance to. An involving sound, one of tight guitar interplay which 'Two Dancers (i)' proved with a dynamic sonic fuzz accompanied by sparse percussion. One of their main draws is clearly Thorpe's somewhat refined voice which can be hastily likened to that of Anthony and The Johnsons. Backed by intrepid basslines, 'We Still Got The Taste Dancin' On Our Tongues', intrigued as Thorpe's initially high pitched vocals simmered to honey soaked splendour. Despite their ties to the area their set was not entirely locally sourced as 'Devil's Crayon' hinted at Californian beach guitar. As the band proved visibly affected by raptourous applause upon final track 'Hooting & Howling', they appear tamed by their celebrated success.