Signs And Wonders is released on 28 September 2009

This USA rock quartet’s debut album has met with virtually universal acclaim from the UK press. Almost inevitably, the comparisons have been made (Radiohead, Coldplay) while NME proclaimed, “…Will have Sigur Ros quivering with envy.” I often wonder why PR companies send out promos accompanied by the most favourable reviews of the so-called ‘majors.’ Do they think it will influence what we will say, or perhaps tempt us into actually playing the CD? Personally, as soon as I see this level of media hype I get suspicious, not curious.

Animal Kingdom is Richard Sauberlich (vocals), Wayne Yardley (guitar), Hamish Crombie (bass) and Geoff Lea (drums). While the comparisons come thick and fast my view is that this band has a distinctive sonic signature, not least through Sauberlich’s youthful voice. But wait, reading through the PR blurb I see the band is also being (loosely) compared to Mercury Rev, The Cure, The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins and the uncomparable Grandaddy. Confused? I am…

So, let’s listen to the record Tone (that’s me) and see what it’s really like. ‘Good Morning Mr. Magpie’ has a promising opening strummed guitar intro passage, but the song then descends into pop-rock mediocrity with only a few occasional rock instrumental flashes to liven it up. ‘Signs & Wonders’ repeats the dose. Then things begin to look up with the band’s first single ‘Tin Man.’ There’s a darker vibe, much stronger melody and the first sign that this band has a distinctive sonic signature. Lyrically it’s good, while the song’s choruses are designed to be stapled into one’s brain and hummed incessantly… ‘Silence Summons You’ is an elegant and charming acoustic song, while ‘Into The Sea’ is an epic pop tune underpinned by dominant, pounding piano notes and the band at full strength. Sauberlich’s voice is remarkable as it soars above the impressive instrumental arrangement. ‘Two By Two’ is back to something more ordinary followed by a faintly more interesting ‘Home.’

Things start to improve again as one comes into the home stretch with the glorious contemplation and darker mood of ‘Mephistopheles.’ It’s one of the most compelling songs I’ve heard in 2009. The vocal is at almost talking pace, the instrumental arrangement is subtle and sublime, while underneath it all is a melody made-in-heaven. ‘Yes Sir, Yes Sir’ has an underlying bass vibe that gives the song a darker, threatening texture. ‘Dollar Signs’ and ‘Chalk Stars’ end the album on an emotional high. Both songs are stripped down and reflective with the most expressive and moving vocals on the album. The choruses are glorious, hair-raising and beautifully judged.

So, a mixed bag that just about secures my vote, but it is too close for comfort from a band capable I believe of much, much more. That said, radio airplay beckons - big-time!

3.5/5