In the latest in a long line of spritely synth-laden indie prodigies, Wolf Gang are the latest to put their case forward. Specialising in the gleaming Technicolor pop that MGMT brought to the masses, the project led mainly by Max McElligott have been slowly building up a reputation – supporting Florence + The Machine and Editors, touring extensively on the London scene and playing at the NME Awards Show. Now, ‘Suego Faults’ is the first proper evidence of their talents.
Summery and shimmering, ‘Suego Faults’ is the direct descendent of MGMT’s glittery psych-pop; gloriously symphonic and brilliantly hooking in places and flawlessly produced throughout. In fact, producer Dave Fridmann worked on MGMT’s output as well as Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips, and his kaleidoscopic expertise is here for all to see.
There are plenty of pleasing moments; opener ‘Lions In Cages’ makes for an exciting start, borrowing the beat from ‘Time To Pretend’, pounding electronics and a grand feel to welcome in the record. Single choice ‘The King and All of His Men’ is an instant hit, catchy indie pop with a pulsating rhythm, and a tale of terrorists ‘bringing their fight’ to the UK, and the MGMT falsetto vocals compliment the almost Adele-like piano ballad that is the title track.
The album also finishes on a high note – ‘Planets’ developing into an Elton John or Beatles type meandering piano waltz to see you off. ‘Midnight Dancers’ is a touching tale of two lovers in Paris, while the best moment comes in the sure-bet for the next single, ‘Stay And Defend’. A paranoid expression on modern society – ‘Everybody always seems to talk about/The sun setting in the West/Do we give up, just enjoy the lights?/And say we tried out best?’ – immediately connects with a bright, driven and extremely catchy melody.
But for all the pleasing moments, some just drift by; overflowed with the generous synths and drowned in atmosphere. The wide-eyed bubbling pop of ‘Something Unusual’ is too lightweight; ‘Back To Back’ is more understated and mysterious but trundles a bit too much; whereas both ‘Dancing With The Devil’ and ‘Where Are You Now?’ slide by in the same hi-resolution and shiny way without much impact. These do slightly detract from the finish product; taking it from great to good.
Max McElligott is a talented guy, and has written some undeniable tracks. ‘Lions In Cages’, ‘The King and All Of His Men’ and especially ‘Stay And Defend’ are fantastic and grabbing melodies, but ‘Suego Faults’ sometimes falters from over-production and never drifts too far away from the MGMT formula, despite brief glimpses at Elton John balladry and David Bowie variety. A fine debut effort, but with room for improvement.
Good LP, and here's my favourite track 'Stay And Defend'.
NWR
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