Wild Beasts – Reach a Bit Further (Domino Records)
Release: 14th November 2011
The third single to be plucked from Wild Beasts’ wonderful third album ‘Smother’ is the delicately poetic ‘Reach a Bit Further.’ Never ones for overly literal lyrics the track is an unusual structure of two choruses and a verse; a verse and chorus from the flawless falsetto of Hayden Thorpe and the other chorus from tenor Tom Fleming. Possibly two of the most distinctive voices around, along with an intriguing penchant for delving deeper into the English language than most make it yet another delightfully unique single.
As with any song by the Kendal four-piece, the song’s meaning is left to interpretation more than anything else. “Tear jerker/shadow lurker/wonder worker/ reach a bit further” – your guess is as good as mine? Nevertheless Wild Beasts‘ magically atmospheric sounds made up by the mix of guitars, percussion and the inimitable vocals is ever-present and whilst the track feels cut short a little (it never truly gets going where one might expect a soaring finale) it’s indicative of the quality and consistency of one of the most exciting bands around.
[rating:4]
http://www.dominorecordco.com/uk/singles/20-09-11/reach-a-bit-further/
