Wild Beasts Get Dirty - A Devil Exclusive

The Lake Districts finest avant popsters Wild Beasts granted the Devil an exclusive interview over t'internet. The bands bass player Tom duly responded providing a unique insight into the band, their new album, the strangest places they've played and tips to beat the credit crunch.

So here, in full, is the Devil's first ever exclusive interview!

The Devil - Reviews (well the Devil's review) of Limbo Panto mention, among others, Klaus Nomi, The Smiths, Antony & The Johnstons and Queen but who is the most important influence on the Wild Beat sound?

Tom - I think we'd all disagree on what the fulcrum of our sound is - I think the Antony and The Smiths things are fair, the Queen thing a gross misapplication (though you may disagree). I'd also say Kate Bush, Bruce Springsteen, Kraftwerk, CAN, Joanna Newsom, Junior Boys, as kind of middle points, but we cover quite a bit of ground between us I think. Our convergence is definitely in the stuff we write and record as Wild Beasts. We want melody and formalism, but not everything we listen to privileges the same things.

The Devil - Limbo Panto has been described as quirky as a Salvador Dali wrist watch, as witty as an Oscar Wilde joke book and as eccentric as a genetically modified Chris Eubank how would you describe it?

Tom - Well that's pretty good going. I'd like to say our music was pop music if it had taken a slightly different route from skiffle onwards.

The Devil - Limbo Panto was the Devil's favourite of 2008, how's the recording for the new album going? Can you reveal anything about the album that no-one other than the band knows?

Tom - That's a glorious thing to bestow upon us, thank you. The new album is recorded but not mixed yet. Obviously we're a little pleased with it - let's say it's both blacker and more full of life than its' predecessor. Muckier, too.

The Devil - If the new album was a wild beast which beast would it be and why?

Tom - This one (although he never says why!)

The Devil - You've been touring the UK , what's the strangest place you've ever played? Would you go back there?

Tom - Owing to British Sea Power we played both the highest pub in Britain and on a ferry 'cross the Mersey, but we've also done a black cab session, a teepee, various basements, a library and a bowling alley - needless to say, no regrets, and we'd run back to all of them.

The Devil - If it was down to Wild Beasts (and you couldn't vote for yourselves) who would have won the Best Band, Best Album, Best Single and Best Live Act of 2008 at the recent Brit Awards?

Tom - Only going by the nominations, as we wouldn't dream of challenging the wisdom of the entire music industry...

Band: Hmmm, Elbow
Album: Hmmm, In Rainbows (genuinely good)
Single: Hmmm, American Boy
Live Act: Hmmm, Iron Maiden.

Seriously though, someone's taking the piss (my sentiment exactly, the Devil)?

The Devil - If you were interviewing yourself what would be your killer question and how would you answer it?

Tom -

Q: If you ran the state of Israel , how would you deal with the Gaza strip?
A: (look off camera at manager accusingly, furious)

The Devil - What are the band doing to beat the credit crunch? Any tips on saving money for the Devil's readers?

Tom - I received some very good advice - learn not to want things, and learn how to add up. And walk EVERYWHERE.

And to finish off the band have furnished me with an acoustic version of Devil's Crayon to share with you lucky lucky readers and get your juices flowing in anticipation of the bands next album.

Go Try

MP3 - Wild Beasts - Devil's Crayon (Acoustic)
If anyone from the IFPI is reading this track is published with permission from Bad Sneakers Records so please refrain from alleging infringement of copyright.

Go Visit

Wild Beasts - Myspace // Website

Go View

Wild Beasts
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Wild Beasts - Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairevoyant