The best thing about good bands splitting up is the potential for members to separate like molecules and form even better bands. The demise of English psych pop group Simian produced the electro-pumping offshoot Simian Mobile Disco (drummer James Ford and bassist/keyboardist James Shaw), the bizarre twinkle pop of Doloroso (bassist/keyboardist Alex MacNaghten) and more recently, psychedelic dance pop duo the Black Ghosts (vocalist/guitarist Simon Lord). The first thing to know about the Black Ghosts is that Lord, who was Simian's vocalist, is joined by Theo Keating, formerly of one-trick-pony big beat act the Wiseguys. The second thing to know is that they sure like skulls - even more than kids who shop at Hot Topic. But that's sort of beside the point. Previous singles "Face" and "Anyway You Choose To Give It" showed they were working up to something big, which is just what third single "Some Way Through This" is. A momentous down-tempo anthem, it rings of the same orchestral drama that made Massive Attack's "Unfinished Sympathy" one of the '90s best tracks. It's the closest thing there is to continuing the life of Simian, and I say that mostly because of the presence Lord's distinct voice has. The Legoland chaos that ensues in the mighty fine video is a nice touch, showing the grim reality you can portray with enough blocks (check out those stripper poles and the point blank execution).
Also check out their neat little "30 Minute Mix" featuring Clinic, Supercollider, Blowfly, Silver Apples, Can and Zongamin.
The Black Ghosts "Some Way Through This"
Also check out their neat little "30 Minute Mix" featuring Clinic, Supercollider, Blowfly, Silver Apples, Can and Zongamin.
The Black Ghosts "Some Way Through This"
