While a largely a capella album with songs ranging from "The Old Dun Cow" to
Kelis
singles could be seen as gimmicky at best and a desperate cry for attention at worst,
Rant
isn't nearly as far-fetched or contrived as it may seem at first glance. After all, intricate harmonies and vocal interplay have been as essential to the
Futureheads
' sound as their charging drums and guitars, and their cover of
Kate Bush
's "Hounds of Love" remains one of their finest moments.
provides an inspired showcase for all four of the
heads
' formidable pipes, particularly on a new version of their own "Thursday," where the gorgeous backing vocals are just as compelling as the main ones, and on the traditional song "The Keeper," where everyone gets a turn at singing lead and dynamic shifts keep things from sounding too traditional. Even better, the album shows off the range of music the band loves beyond the
Wire
and
Gang of Four
influences most prevalent in their albums, though the rawness of these performances nods to their punk roots. Some covers are more expected than others: a bit of
Richard Thompson
's full-throated bray can be heard in the
' own music, so the lovely version of "Beeswing" here feels like a tribute. However, the real proof of how winning
is lies in its surprising song choices. On the
Black Eyed Peas
' "Meet Me Halfway,"
Barry Hyde
sounds like he's about to burst out of his skin from sheer longing, while the jabbing, percussive version of
' "Acapella" echoes their take on "Hounds of Love" in how different, yet true to the original's spirit, it sounds. They bring mischievous rock opera majesty to
Sparks
' "#1 Song in Heaven" as they mimic arpeggiating synths with "deedle-dit" vocalizing, and employ an arrangement on "Man Ray" that reveals the underlying complexity the song has always had.
goes far beyond any glee club or barbershop perceptions with its reverence and creativity; while it may not change the mind of anyone who thinks a capella pop music is inherently hokey, it's still one of the
' most exciting albums. ~ Heather Phares