On the Turntable: Animal Kingdom
Genre: Indie rock, alternative rock
My rating: Upbeat and fast-paced, Animal Kingdom is definitely one for your Body Shop playlist.

Now that the semester is beginning to pick up a bit, it is only natural that the music you use to set your work pace should, too. Whether you’re making your way through a mountain of homework or putting together a mix for the car or the gym, it helps to have songs that capture the “movement” element of creativity, something that, in turn, inspires you to move. Alternative indie rock band Animal Kingdom generates songs with a certain effervescence that is sure to keep you going.

The North London-based group is composed of Richard Sauberlich on vocals, guitar, and piano; Hamish Crombie on bass, and Geoff Lea on drums. Animal Kingdom hit the big time in 2009 with the release of their first album, “Signs and Wonders,” which was produced in Seattle under the same producer as popular indie bands Fleet Foxes and The Shins. Animal Kingdom’s song “Tin Man,” originally released as a single from the album, was voted iTunes “Single of the Week” and the band was then recognized by iTunes as “Best New Alternative Act.” Their most recent album, “The Looking Away,” was released early on in 2012; their song “Strange Attractor” from the album reached billboard spot #29 in January.

Animal Kindgom has toured as a supporting act with Snow Patrol, Silversun Pickups, and Band of Horses. “New Musical Express,” a music review publication in the UK, describes Animal Kingdom’s sound as “achingly beautiful celestial indie,” and I would agree that space is the only environment expansive enough to capture this band’s sound. Sauberlich’s ethereal vocals combined with the instrumentation of Crombie and Lea make for a spectacular musical experience. “Strange Attractor” has a great beat, but the “Kidaswitch” remix of the song takes it to a whole new level, adding in an electronic “house music” vibe that gives it an entrancing quality. For easier listening, the song “Chalk Stars” offers a similar draw, contributing to creativity without the heavy bass, concentrating on more of a cinematic feel with piano and soft vocals. If you’re hitting a wall creatively (or productively — I know that feeling!), mix your playlists up with Animal Kingdom — you won’t be disappointed.