Wild Beasts Debut New Material

The superlative Cumbrian four-piece Wild Beasts have revealed ‘Albatross’ will be the first official single taken from their much-anticipated third album, Smother.

Hayden Thorpe’s operatic vocals remain untouched, but the band seem to have mellowed a little. Judge for yourselves below.

The song will also be available as a free download via the band's Facebook page, from Wednesday (March 9th).

Slated for release on May 2, ‘Albatross’ will be followed by the LP Smother, which drops on May 9th.

As seems to be the trend nowadays, here's a "trailer" for the upcoming album:

Meanwhile, Wild Beasts have announced a batch of UK tour dates:

• 05 May 2011 – Newcastle Gateshead Old Town Hall
• 06 May 2011 – Glasgow Oran Mor
• 07 May 2011 – Ulverston Coronation Hall
• 08 May 2011 – Leeds Brudenell Social Club (SOLD OUT)
• 09 May 2011 – Leicester Y Theatre
• 11 May 2011 – London Wilton’s Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
• 12 May 2011 – London Wilton’s Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
• 13 May 2011 – Gloucester Guildhall
• 14 May 2011 – Sheffield City Hall Grand Ballroom
• 04 Jun 2011 – Forbidden Fruit Festival Dublin
• 11 Jun 2011 – Isle of Wight Festival
• 06 Aug 2011 – London, Field Day
• 02 Sep 2011 – Dorset, End of the Road Festival