published: 12 /
11 /
2011
Label:
Heist or Hit Records
Format: CDS
Pleasant and catchy electro dance pop on seven track UK debut from Swedish three-piece, Simian Ghost
Review
Simian Ghost are a Swedish chillwave trio led by Sebastian Arnström. Their 2010 debut topped the critics’ chart in their native Sweden and garnered significant critical acclaim. 'The Lovelorn EP', featuring seven tracks, all written by Arnström, is their first UK release.
The EP starts brightly with first single 'Free Agent', featuring a phased synth line over a (probably programmed) drumbeat. Arnström’s vocals are strangely asexual, and vary between treated and clean. 'Free Agent' is a catchy piece of electro pop, its upbeat sound providing the perfect antidote to any form of melancholy or musical snobbery.
'Note to Self' channels 'Hot Chip', but with a rather more avant garde production than the opening track. The song, however, benefits from this looseness, allows a greater depth of feeling in the delivery of the vocal.
My favourite track on the EP is 'Gently Submissive', which features a soft, melodic backing track of music box style chimes and a gentle guitar part. Arnström attributes the song’s quieter quality to the fact that he recorded it at home in the middle of the night and was afraid to waken his neighbours. How Rock ‘n’ Roll!
'Lovelorn' is an EP full of songs on the quieter end of the dance scale. These are tracks which could equally be played at home or in the clubs, and I can imagine a spate of remixes beginning with this EP’s release. All in all, 'Lovelorn' is a pleasantly diverting twenty-five minutes – I’ll look forward to the album.
Track Listing:-
1
Free Agent
2
Note To Self
3
As You See Fit
4
Bicycle Theme
5
Poolside Glow
6
Gently Submissive
7
Take My Hand And Lead Me Home
Band Links:-
http://www.simianghost.com/
https://www.facebook.com/simianghost
https://twitter.com/simianghost
http://www.last.fm/music/Simian+Ghost
Label Links:-
https://www.youtube.com/user/HeistOrHi
https://twitter.com/heistorhit
http://www.last.fm/label/Heist+Or+Hit+
https://www.facebook.com/heistorhitrec
http://www.heistorhitrecords.com/