When singer Matt Schultz and his gang of thrashing young thugs debuted their self-titled album in 2008, it was much needed. It wasn’t Pop Rock, nor Pop Punk; it was loud, seething, alternative rock with a hungry, commanding frontman in charge; it bled youthful angst with hints of riotous wisdom, a rarity for a band of twenty-somethings.

With their fourth record Tell Me I’m Pretty bowing just before the end of the year, it’s evident that the former brat-rockers have proven that progression is high on their career priority list (a fact made clear even after 2013’s strong Melophobia). But quite honestly, Cage the Elephant has just released its best record to date.

Produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, Tell Me I’m Pretty is a tight 10-track collection of vintage 70’s-era rock ‘n roll. “Portuguese Knife Fight” sounds like classic Stooges, while “Cry Baby” is reminiscent of the British Invasion. It’s unlike anything else in the band’s catalogue, and wears its influences proudly on its sleeve.

The first single “Mess Around” is a lot of fun, albeit, perhaps with a bit too much of Auerbach’s influence. Despite this, every song on the album has a distinct feel and personality to it. There’s no doubt that Shultz is going to bring it on tour. Fuck Adam Levine, if you’ve ever seen Cage live, you know that it’s Shultz that has the moves like Jagger.

Grade: A 

Tell Me I’m Pretty is out now to buy or stream. Watch the video for “Mess Around”:

Cage The Elephant – Mess Around

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