News
Animal Kingdom Debut Album & Tour
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 September 28th release of their debut album ‘Signs and Wonders’ on Warner Bros. Records.
Recorded at Seattle’s Electrokitty Studios with Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, The Shins, Les Savy Fav), the melancholy ‘Signs and Wonders’ 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.
The album is also rich on versatility; the likes of ‘Good Morning’, ‘Silence Summons You’ and ‘Into The Sea’ share a cohesive, cinematic atmosphere but each song represents a unique statement. Animal Kingdom could be loosely compared to the likes of Mercury Rev, The Cure, The Flaming Lips, Smashing Pumpkins and Grandaddy, but they remain a proposition in which their own individual sound shines through.
The album’s title track will be released as a single on September 20th on digital download formats. Bonus tracks include remixes courtesy of Starsmith and Bo Flex. It follows the prior limited edition singles ‘Chalk Stars’ and ‘Tin Man’.
Recently seen on tour with Silversun Pickups, Animal Kingdom have also played shows with bands as diverse as Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, Camera Obscura and Snow Patrol. Despite being relative newcomers, they have already debuted on the festival circuit with dates at Latitude, V, Monmouth and Secret Garden Party.
Animal Kingdom are confirmed to play two shows on September 17th as part of The London Paper Headliners Festival. They will support Doves at HMV Oxford Street at 6:30pm before playing a second show later in the evening at the 100 Club as support to Joy Formidable. The band will also play a special album launch show to coincide with the album’s release which will be followed by a wider UK tour.
September
17th – London, HMV Oxford Street (6:30pm show as support to Doves)
17th – London, 100 Club (8.30-9pm stage time as support to Joy Formidable)
23rd – London, Lexington
30th – Bristol, Louisiana
October
1st – Nottingham, Bodega (Club Radar)
2nd – Manchester, Night and Day
3rd – Leeds, Cockpit
6th – Glasgow, King Tuts
7th – Birmingham, Academy
8th – Southampton, Joiner