Review: Holy Ghost! 'Holy Ghost!'

HOLY GHOST!
Holy Ghost!
[DFA]

Apparently everything that goes around does come around. NYC duo Holy Ghost! have quite the pedigree - playing with The Juan Maclean, remixing MGMT and Mark Ronson - and the blogosphere has duly lit up with the arrival of their self-titled debut album on the DFA label. But why, exactly? While marketed as synth-heavy disco, boogie and sleek Italo, it sounds more like Yacht Rock got into New Wave's make-up kit after a night on the alco-pops. Obvious touchstones are New Order and Pet Shop Boys, but Holy Ghost! lack the latter's singwriting chops and the intensity and swagger of the former. Wafts of A-Ha, Pseudo Echo and Duran Duran are also present and there are a few really good, strong songs here, but little in the way of new ground being broken. The overwhelming feeling is that Holy Ghost! are more concerned with striking their hipster pose immaculately. Sad face.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

Review: Treefight For Sunlight 'Self-Titled'

Treefight For Sunlight
Treefight For Sunlight
[Bella Union]

Every once in a while a debut album arrives so fully-formed it knocks you off your feet. Treefight For Sunlight is one of those rare creatures. Released on Bella Union, the self-titled debut from the Danish four-piece (plus songwriting and performing producer Aske Zidore) is something special for fans of indie pop. Epic in scale yet instimate in scope, deliciously ambitious yet supremely focused, the album generates feelings of optimism and euphoria yet retains a depth and layering which thorougly maintains interest. This is the '60s West Coast pop of The Beach Boys and The Turtles caramelised with the propulsive rhythms and muscular orchestration of Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend. Or perhaps Brian Wilson refereeing a wrestling match between MGMT and Empire Of The Sun. Either way, there are very few low moments amongst this harmony-drenched sunshine pop which showcases exellent songwriting and melodic eloquence from start to finish.

4 stars from 5

Review reprinted courtesy of Waikato Times