“Wires”
from the album Tourist
2005
iTunes
Athlete started life as the oddballs of the British music scene, crafting sweet acoustic songs that routinely burst into a cavalcade of drums and fuzzy riffs — kind of like the Flaming Lips. But on its latest album, the group aims for an entirely more conventional target (and one that’ll piss off older fans): Coldplay. But while Athlete can’t quite garner a rush of blood to the head, it’s still pretty dizzying stuff. The U.K. smash hit “Wires” (a song which details the life-and-death struggle of singer Joel Pott’s newborn baby) is definitely a standout. And the rest of the disc’s cool atmosphere and expansive orchestral arrangements go a long way in making a mood. Don’t be afraid to welcome these tourists with open arms.