Animal Kingdom - Signs and Wonders (2009)

Widely tipped to be one of 2009's major breakthrough bands, Animal Kingdom follow the limited edition singles 'Chalk Stars' and 'Tin Man' with the release of their debut album, Signs And Wonders. Recorded at Seattle's Electrokitty Studios with Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, The Shins, Les Savy Fav), the melancholy album finds the London quartet countering immediate Pop hooks with unpredictable arrangements and a dark, reflective soul. Developed over a six week period, Signs And Wonders includes the delicately crafted, emotive Pop of the debut single 'Chalk Stars', the dreamy, infectious hook that gives the lovelorn 'Tin Man' an otherworldly atmosphere and the eerie flow of 'Two By Two' that features Sauberlich's vocals floating in the ether like the voice of an imaginary friend. Warner.