2008 Woodie Awards
World Leader Pretend's Sophomore Album Packs a Punch
Samin Green
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: Arts
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World Leader Pretend take their name from the 1988 R.E.M. song of the same title. A bold move indeed, as the New Orleans quintet will now always be associated with the legendary band. However, it has paid off. World Leader Pretend's latest album, "Punches," was released in late June on Warner Bros. Records-the same record label R.E.M. calls home. Despite the coincidence, World Leader Pretend have proven their ability to stand on their own merits, with an album rich in orchestral arrangements, strong bass lines, rocking guitars, and soulful vocals.
"Punches" starts off with a bang-literally. The first song, "Bang Theory," is part melodic string arrangements courtesy of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and part gritty guitars that make you practically smell lead singer Keith Ferguson's angst. The title track of the album is a good representation of the theme of the album. "Punches" begins with the soft tinkling of a piano, one that sounds like a mini-piano little kids play with. A strong bass line sweeps down and overwhelms the piano, accompanied by scraggly Thom Yorke-esque vocals, then right back to the piano tinkling. This is what the album is about: a cat and mouse game between sweet piano and strings, and gritty guitars, forceful bass and powerful and soulful vocals. World Leader Pretend have embraced this style and it works well for them.
Lead singer Keith Ferguson admits to mimicking the vocals of the '90s European groups he loves. This is no understatement. The band sounds like a complex weave of many British bands that hit their peaks in the mid to late '90s. The album boasts piano melodies like Badly Drawn Boy, lyrics reminiscent of Blur, vocals resembling Radiohead's Thom Yorke, and guitar themes ranging from Travis to early U2 to Muse. If you didn't know better, you would think this young New Orleans band actually came from across the pond about five years ago. However, World Leader Pretend aren't a band to write off as just a Badly Drawn Boy or Radiohead copycat. They bring something unique and catchy to "Punches," leaving you thinking you might have heard it before, but still want to hear more.
"Punches" starts off with a bang-literally. The first song, "Bang Theory," is part melodic string arrangements courtesy of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, and part gritty guitars that make you practically smell lead singer Keith Ferguson's angst. The title track of the album is a good representation of the theme of the album. "Punches" begins with the soft tinkling of a piano, one that sounds like a mini-piano little kids play with. A strong bass line sweeps down and overwhelms the piano, accompanied by scraggly Thom Yorke-esque vocals, then right back to the piano tinkling. This is what the album is about: a cat and mouse game between sweet piano and strings, and gritty guitars, forceful bass and powerful and soulful vocals. World Leader Pretend have embraced this style and it works well for them.
Lead singer Keith Ferguson admits to mimicking the vocals of the '90s European groups he loves. This is no understatement. The band sounds like a complex weave of many British bands that hit their peaks in the mid to late '90s. The album boasts piano melodies like Badly Drawn Boy, lyrics reminiscent of Blur, vocals resembling Radiohead's Thom Yorke, and guitar themes ranging from Travis to early U2 to Muse. If you didn't know better, you would think this young New Orleans band actually came from across the pond about five years ago. However, World Leader Pretend aren't a band to write off as just a Badly Drawn Boy or Radiohead copycat. They bring something unique and catchy to "Punches," leaving you thinking you might have heard it before, but still want to hear more.