Present Tense

Import LP on 180-gram vinyl. This fourth studio album from the British indie band is a sleeker, more orderly and refined successor to the band's previous three. Produced by Lexx and Leo Abrahams, who have previously worked with Bjork and Brian Eno, the album explores quieter territories, sparking with the electronic sounds of the '80s and '90s, and creating sensual sonic waves. Guitarist and vocalist Hayden Thorpe sounds brazen on these songs, and Tom Fleming's yearning style complements Thorpe's harmoniously. There's love and lust and loss on this album: songs are heavy and then they're somber, and lyrics range from "between two hands held in prayer" to "don't confuse me with someone who gives a fuck." It's a compelling and promising album that affirms Wild Beasts as building on their past successes in challenging styles.