World Leader Pretend - Punches

On their major label debut, New Orleans natives World Leader Pretend deliver a potent mixture of artistic integrity and soulful abandon, giving ample evidence that the group has the talent to sustain a significant presence for years to come. The band’s diverse sound is equal parts Brit-pop, indie rock and 70’s soul, with just as much emphasis on keyboards and strings as guitars and drums. Frontman Keith Ferguson allows the energy of each song to dictate his vocal mannerisms, which are smooth and serene at times, ragged and aggressive at others. Throughout the album, Ferguson’s vocals are reminiscent of what another New Orleans-based singer, Better than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin, might sound like had his band filtered their sound through the lens of more alternative and experimental artists like Radiohead. The majority of Punches’ highlights occur during the record’s first half. “Bang Theory” opens the album with raucous drums that give way to an infectious piano and string-laden groove. The following track, “Dreamdaddy,” employs a sweet, soulful melody and evokes comparisons to REM and Neil Diamond. The album’s title track allows a driving rhythm played on sleigh bells to lead to a driving piano, followed by a wonderfully bluesy and coarse guitar riff. Another standout is the unfortunately-titled but beautiful “Lovey Dovey,” in which Ferguson’s melody is complemented by the gorgeous guest vocals of Blair Gimma. Self-producing the album, World Leader Pretend should be commended for displaying a great propensity for taking risks and creating memorably varied arrangements. However, one can’t help but feel collaborating with a veteran producer might have helped the band avoid some of the album’s more forgettable moments. For example, a veteran producer might have been able to talk the band out of the dreadful bombast that is “B.A.D.A.B.O.O.M” or some of the ill-timed interludes meant to bring cohesion to the album. Despite these few missteps, Punches is one of the most promising albums of the year and displays incredible potential for future success. Should Ferguson and Co. ever learn to completely harness the energy they display, there’s no telling what kind of opportunities the band could have. [www.wlpband.com]