SCHOOLYARD GHOSTS

Pleasant (at times), sophisticated ambient pop-rock by Wilson and Bowness. Excluding the experimental electro-influenced Pigeon Drummer, the rest of the album flows in an extremely slow and hypotonic tempo and filled with simple (simpler, simplistic...) tunes.

Acoustic guitars, melodic pianos, keyboards and electronic samples are the main elements of this work. Bowness sings in a constant melancholic (but often indifferent) way through the whole album. If you are looking for diverse compositions and experimentation, you will not find it here. However, there are a few moments where the melodies are strong and can be memorable (e.g. at the end of the opening track) or where the inclusion of instruments like flute can make the difference, at least for a while (Truenorth).

Overall, not an album that would be among my priorities, mainly because of the absence of variety and diversity. Surely, an album to which you can listen and relax. A few good melodies can not make amends for the dominating dull atmosphere and the length of the album (~53min) does not help towards this direction. Fans of Blackfield or bands-alike or slow, melodic, ambient rock might find some interest here, while others are more likely to pass... 2.5 stars.

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