Could Kendal's Wild Beasts scoop the Mercury Prize? (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Could Kendal's Wild Beasts scoop the Mercury Prize?

4:38pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in

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WILD Beasts could be hooting and howling in celebration this evening if they scoop the coveted Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

The Kendal band are currently third favourites to win the £20,000 prize money and the prestigious title of Album of the Year for their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, Two Dancers.

Their current odds are at 13/2 but they face stiff competition from lo-fi London three-piece The XX and former Jam singer Paul Weller.

“Looking at the shortlist I think we’re certainly flying the flag for the left field end of the market but we’re comfortable with that,” said lead singer Hayden Thorpe.

“The Mercury does tend to champion the alternative and different, so in that sense we probably have a good chance but there are some great albums on the shortlist.”

A panel of judges comprised of music industry experts will select the winner during tonight’s ceremony in London.

Last year’s winner Speech Debelle joined the ranks of artists who have scooped the prize over the years including Elbow, Primal Scream, Klaxons and Arctic Monkeys.