I'm a big believer in full disclosure. If I come at something with a pre-existing bias, I think it's only fair that I let you know that up front.
In this case my bias comes from seeing Swedish duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums open for Lykke Li earlier this year. Quite frankly, while I thought the drumming was at times spectacular, I found the vocals to be dull at their best and at their worst downright annoying.
The band's sophomore album, The Snake, receives its North American release on August 25th.
At first blush songs like the slow, minimalist opener "Island" reinforce my pre-existing notion. Songs like "Chain of Steel", the plodding "So Soft So Pink", and "Who Ho Ho Ho" are dull affairs.
Since vocalist Miriam Wallentin's vocals are usually either nonsensical or incomprehensible (think of Cocteau Twins with throat singing), the percussion of Andreas Werlin is needed desperately to keep these songs interesting and engaging for the listener. On too many tracks, however, they take a back seat to the oral gibberish.
There are moments of respite though. The tribal rhythms of "Places" build and intense and infectious groove. "Great Lines" provides some breadth of sound, pulling in Middle Eastern rhythms. Jazz is a prominent influence on "Liar Lion", making it an exciting piece. On "Today Tomorrow" Werlin simply puts on a masterful drum solo clinic.
The results on The Snake are split. When the duo are frenetic, letting loose with the percussion, there is a fresh unique sound which is actually complemented by the vocals. When vocals are the focal point of a song however, the results are next to abysmal.
Best tracks: "Places", "Today Tomorrow"
Track listing for The Snake:
- Island
- There Is No Light
- Chain Of Steel
- So Soft So Pink
- Places
- Great Lines
- Today Tomorrow
- Liar Lion
- Who Ho Ho Ho
- My Heart
4.0/10
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