Suckers

Wild Smile (Frenchkiss)

By Dana Raidt
Published: June 9th, 2010 | 1:00pm

Considering the resurgence in popularity of ‘80s- and ‘90s-era synth-pop ballads and nouveau-hippie world-beat drums, very few artists have been able to successfully bridge the two styles. While Yeasayer painstakingly fuses these elements into earnest, purposeful songs, Animal Collective’s take on the combination is effortless, seeming almost accidental at times.

Somewhere between the intensity of the former and the casualness of the latter lie Suckers. With their 2009 self-titled debut EP (IAMSOUND) and now their first full-length, the Brooklyn four-piece has generated excited whispers over their ability to combine interesting rhythms with pop sensibilities hearkening back to Tears for Fears or Psychedelic Furs.

Wild Smile’s spaced-out slow jams can veer too far into the ether at times. Songs like “King of Snakes” and “It Gets Your Body Movin’” (which appeared on the EP) zigzag along—sometimes too slowly—until they finally reach falsetto sing-along choruses and anthemic breakdowns. “2 Eyes 2 C,” which is not only named like a Prince song but features vocals that could easily pass for The Artist, seems like it should be played at a futuristic, Mad Max-era prom. While those with short attention spans will appreciate the album as background music more than anything else, the catchiness of songs like “Black Sheep” and “Before Your Birthday Ends” will make Wild Smile’s leisurely pace worth the journey.

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Suckers official Web site

Suckers MySpace page

Frenchkiss Records