Tonight’s Concert Picks: Wild Beasts at World Cafe Live, Darwin Deez at Johnny Brenda’s
Wild Beasts
Wild Beasts formed in 2002 under the name Fauve (French for “wildcat”), and both iterations of the name suit the band. The British outfit offers a cross between indie rock and art-pop; lead singer Hayden Thorpe frequently uses a maxed out falsetto (especially on their debut Limbo, Panto) that evokes and provokes in equal measure. Wild Beasts are fond of the “shocking” lyrical turn, singing tunes laced with depravity and profanity. Despite the maturity expected with a third album, Wild Beasts proves that they remain untamed. Wild Beasts perform with Marques Toliver at 9 p.m. at World Cafe Live; tickets to the show are $21–$29. —Kiley Bense
NYC-based Darwin Deez seems to have indie-pop down to a simple, very effective science: combine one nerdy/cool frontman with a mop of curly hair, feel-good rhythms, witty lyrics, and a band known for their synchronized dance numbers…and there you have it. The group’s well-received eponymous debut in May 2010 featured 10 tracks, each as catchy as the next. The most recent single “Bad Day” is a breakup song more amusing than most, in which Deez croons, “And I would like to be your garbage man so I would never have to pick up your trash again.” Fear not though, for the most part Darwin is just looking for a bit of love and a good dance party. Darwin Deez performs with Caged Animals at Johnny Brenda’s at 9 p.m. (doors at 8 p.m.); tickets to the 21+ show are $12. —Claire Fishkow
Darwin Deez – Radar Detector from Lucky Number Music on Vimeo.