Release Date: July 25, 2011
The British dance-pop duo The Black Ghosts, built from the remnants of anterior bands Simian and the Wiseguys, have channeled their inner macabre to record and produce their latest musical endeavor, When Animals Stare. Behind the powerhouse producing abilities of Theo Keating and Simon William Lord, When Animals Stare packs a house and electronic punch for a good majority of the record. There are a handful of not-so-exciting tunes recorded here, but they are outweighed by Keating and Lord’s fantastic taste and need to be obscure.
“Even in the Darkness” sports an intense guitar riff that builds into a booming cascade of keyboard hits and synthesized drum beats and is a definite standout on the album. The breakdown during the chorus has a certain Tron: Legacy appeal to it. As the song grows, it’s morphed into a back-and-forth battle between organic music and computer-generated neatness. It’s hot and sexy as Keating leads the song out with the vocals, “Love surrounds us, even in the darkness.”
“Sanguinella” is a powerhouse of tasty treats as well. Keating’s vocals are pronounced and effectively tie the entire song together. With the veritable range of sounds and the insular detail that goes into their music writing, The Black Ghosts take the time to create a hot little ditty dug deep in the depths of the horror movies and cadaverous lifestyle.
Keating and Lord change their sound throughout the album. Trading dark electro beats for a more house-esque charm, they cater to the equally interesting disco era of the ’70s.
Put on a rayon suit, find the biggest shirt collar on the shelf and don some platform shoes for “Talk No More.” It has a funky disco feel to it that could easily be heard rumbling off the walls of Studio 54. “Walking on the Moon” holds the same vein and really showcases The Black Ghosts’ house abilities.
“Forgetfulness” has bohemian undertones coupled with an out of the ordinary baritone sax sound. The song is playful and upbeat but trails away too soon. With the multitude of talent between Keating and Lord, they could turn this three-minute gem into an extended block party in just one track. This is a decent song on the album; it’s just short when it comes to the idea of a good electronic melody. With the way the song builds, it’s almost a letdown when it fades out after 3:14.
“In The Clouds” is a love ballad chanting to the tune of a “lost without you” attitude. The background beats take notes from The Postal Service’s Give Up, in that they are subtle, cute and married to kitschy lyrics. With lines like: “I don’t know what I’m doin’ when I’m not with you,” it’s easy to see the similarities.
There are a handful of low and slow tracks on the album and though it is good to switch the tempo up every now and then, it’s these songs that detract from the real energy of the album. “Aurora Borealis” takes a step in the New Wave direction, holding onto a dawdling, methodic beat. “Diamonds” is stalwart right out of the gates with muted tones that lean toward an evil villain theme song. “That’s All There Is” is more like space filler on the record as opposed to being a substantial addition to the collection.
“Water Will Find a Way” is all R&B with the high hat and bass lines, but keeps that eerie appeal with the deep horn synths in the background. There is a playfulness hinted at in the song, with slight glockenspiel and sleigh bells coming through on the chorus. It’s one of the only songs on the record with a radio-friendly sound.
With the mix of sounds and delivery rooted throughout the album, When Animals Stare makes for a decent listening party and has no shortage of tunes that get the listener out of their seat. Some of the music on the album is slow and perhaps a little predictable in the same breath. It would be bold to put this as a top pick of the year, but would definitely make some top 100 lists.
The Black Ghosts – When Animals Stare Tracklist:
- “Water Will Find A Way”
- “Walking On The Moon”
- “In The Clouds”
- “In The Darkness”
- “Diamonds”
- “Sanguinella”
- “That’s All There Is”
- “Talk No More”
- “Aurora Borealis”
- “Forgetfulness”
- “Your Soul Is Free”
