Wolf Gang – Suego Faults

Suego Faults, the debut from Max McElligott's Wolf Gang outfit, was produced by Dave Fridmann (he of Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips fame), and it sounds like it: the first comparison that springs to mind when opener Lions in Cages launches into its sparkling synth/guitar interplay is MGMT, another Fridmann-produced outfit. The same shimmering, orchestral pop hooks are evident here, as well as the insistent disco-inspired rhythms underpinning the music.

McElligot's lyrics are fairly superficial, and in terms of song structure Suego Faults doesn't break any new ground. The slower songs also tend to falter, particularly the mawkish Midnight Dancers. Wolf Gang's default mode, however, is youthful exuberance, and on the LP's highpoints – such as current single The King and all of his Men – there's an assuredness to the melodies that makes such criticisms seem churlish. Not the most accomplished record on Fridmann's CV, then, but there's still plenty to enjoy here.

Video: Wolf Gang in interview and session at T in the Park 2011