Savages

Over the past three years, The Gay Blades have built an international following on their side-stepping demeanor, their unpredictable live shows and, of course, their unhinged manic sound. But while their fan base is still marveling at how the larger-than-life duo can fill aural spaces so completely as a two-piece, the band unveils their sophomore album, Savages, which promises to astonish both their current devotees and future fans alike. Since the release of their debut album, Ghosts, lead singer/guitarist James Dean Wells aka Clark Westfield and drummer Quinn English aka Puppy Mills have experienced extraordinary life changes, which have consciously and unconsciously shaped the songs on their impressive new album. 'This record was the next step for our band,' Wells says. 'On Ghosts, we were creating with this almost adolescent air of irreverence, but with Savages we are just trying to be unfettered. We can't concern ourselves with what the record is supposed to be, only what we want it to be - a collection of trashy rock songs that speak as much to the music we love as it does our own personal chemistry as a band.' The Gay Blades holed up with producer Dean Baltulonis (The Hold Steady, Lissy Trullie, Goes Cube) in his Queens, NY studio, where they experimented with fuller instrumentation and live recordings. The result is an unapologetic pop record adorned with a mosaic of luscious string arrangements, boisterous horns, gorgeous harmonies and surprising synths and programming. While Savages is a clear departure from Ghosts, Wells has faith that it will appease his fans.