Within seconds Alt-J demonstrate exactly the reason why they have been chosen as Wild Beast's support. This is not to say that they are an imitation of the main act, but compliment them excellently as they use similar subtle tones to create the landscape of their songs.
Half the band is employed to create the atmosphere while the other half populates that atmosphere with fun and intelligent tunes. Responsibility for these roles is constantly shifted during the set so your focus follows different instruments against the delightfully constructed background.
As a unit, songs diversify themselves in an analogous manner. Sections blend themselves together with wist and waves before arriving at perfectly slotted stand-out jigsaw pieces of energy and chorus.
Joe Newman has a distinctive twang in his voice, reminiscent of The Tallest Man on Earth, which could be instantly mistaken for off putting. However, once it becomes familiar appreciating it is in no way difficult. Assisted by soft, artful lyrics it narrates performances with a delicate suitability for Alt-J's style and sound, enhancing the experience and drawing you in - capturing your captivation.
I have been waiting quite a long time to see Wild Beasts live. Since 2008's slightly camp but exciting debut Limbo, Panto they have aged exquisitely into one of Britain's finest bands. Two Dancers was brilliant, innovative and easily accessible while last year's Smother was a thing of staggering beauty. At the impressively sculptured Coal Exchange they came with a performance easily worthy of the legacy they are creating. The fact that it did not sell out before the event is a black mark against the musical judgement of Cardiff's population.
I could have spent the entire time dancing with my eyes closed if I wasn't so worried about looking foolish. I was encompassed by swathes of elegance and harmony.
It helps that Wild Beasts are in possession of two of the best band singers in Britain, if not the world, right now. Hayden Thorpe's epic falsetto counteracted perfectly by the rich, deep sound that swims out of Tom Fleming. No further proof is needed of their vocal superiority than their combination on The Devil's Crayon (just astounding live) and, in fact, almost every song released and performed since such an early triumph.
If Wild Beasts had come and performed competently, reciting the material from their albums then no one could complain. Instead they added something spectacular with a passion that could fool you into thinking they were revelling in sudden exciting success. It was music to fall in love with.
I feel privileged to have witnessed a performance as stunning as this from a band which is stating a case for being the best in Britain. As accessible as Coldplay, as intelligent as Radiohead and as thunderously beautiful as, well, I don't think there is anyone who merits comparison with Wild Beasts on that score.
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