Album review: Celestial Shore – Enter Ghost
Liana Gow-Killingbeck checks out the latest longplayer from the Brooklyn-based trio:
I’m going to be honest with you. Before yesterday, I had never heard of Celestial Shore. I was bored out of my brains and found myself desperately browsing the ‘New Release’ section on Spotify. It was the wacky cover art for the band’s sophomore album, Enter Ghost, which peaked my interest and it’s safe to say that the album itself does somewhat reflect its madcap artistic representation.
With Enter Ghost, Celestial Shore pushes past the boundaries of its math-rock reputation. Slight glimpses of indie, shoegaze, and psych-folk shine through the chaotically layered riffs, keeping shit interesting.
The album is complex, irregular and highly experimental, yet tentative. It’s clear that Celestial Shore’s direction is still a little clouded.
‘Gloria’ is a track that I would envision to be on The O.C. soundtrack if the show were still airing. It’s totes indie rock, with Belle and Sebastian-esque vocals teamed with sunshine-bright lyrics that reek of Seth Cohen. Dreamy acoustics make an appearance in ‘Too Cute’, ‘Pass Go’ offers a frenzied, punkish vibe, and the peacefully entrancing ‘Weekenders’ will undoubtedly be popular with the perpetual daydreamer, such as myself. So depending on your mood or shindig, Enter Ghost will probably have something to flip your pancake.
However, if you do plan to listen to this album from start to finish, be prepared for a sporadic rollercoaster ride. It’s a little bit messy. Personally though, I love anything that’s intrinsically bonkers, and Enter Ghost is certainly that.
Review by Liana Gow-Killingbeck.
