Suckers branch out from the new-wavy-ness of their debut
Suckers EP with their first full-length. With less prominent keytar and a firmer grip on Afro-pop,
Wild Smile could easily be lumped in with releases by fellow Brooklyn indie rockers
Chairlift,
Yeasayer, and
Vampire Weekend. The retro homage is cast aside, but a degree of camp remains, due to
Quinn Walker's choice to sing in a prepubescent falsetto in many of the songs -- perhaps in hopes of shaking
David Byrne comparisons. As ridiculously high as his voice may be, and even though it may take several spins to become acclimated to it, the melodies are sharp and enticing. The balladic “Before Your Birthday Ends,” "King of Snakes," “Loose Change,” and “Martha” are all primed live anthems, sung in rousing four-part harmony rounds over staccato guitar runs, key swells, popping bass, and percussive beats. The Anand Wilder-assisted "It Gets Your Body Movin'" makes a return appearance from the EP, and
Chris Moore's production on “Save Your Love for Me” jumps the shark with its outlandish
Muppet chorus outro, but the rest of the songs, which were all produced by Chris Zane (
Les Savy Fav,
the Walkmen) fit together in a weird puzzle of spry hooks and offbeat yet highly affable instrumentation. ~ Jason Lymangrover