Black Ghosts, The - The Black Ghosts (Album)
That term ‘electro-pop’ again. It’s everywhere at the moment including this, the debut album from UK duo The Black Ghosts, borne out of Simian ashes and a fairly good representation of the current strength of the (sub) genre. Occasionally coming from the more ‘Agadoo’ end of the register ala Something New, to more somber treats like Don’t Cry, It’s Your Touch and particularly Full Moon, there’s some interesting layers in the arrangements such as a looped strings sample here or a cowbell there which in this case all help add creative merit and retain listener interest.
A tip for first timers: album opener Some Way Through This may polarize audiences by way of Simon Lord’s vocals, but the remainder should win you over. If you do listen to this record and aren’t intrigued within 10 minutes, come back again. Darker than Scissor Sisters, lighter than electro-Blur, it’s not entirely suitable for all occasions. For example – just like Blur (whose Damon Albarn appears here on Repetition Kills You) as with Hot Chip, The Presets or most other electro-poppers, if you have a headache there’s every chance this will suck and the singer will sound like a whiny twat. But if you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands to the funky Until it Comes Again, followed by the nightclub alco-pop taste of I Want Nothing.
"This is a Chuck Morris artwork” speak the liner notes. More about being clever than colour, it’s a pretty cool skull theme with a budget retro feel. Tangible or not the overall results speak no evil of this impressive debut.
