Give Me the Beat

Song: Give Me the Beat
Artist: Ghostland Observatory
Album: Codename: Rondo





Ghostland Observatory are an Austin, Texas-based duo consisting of front man Aaron Behrens, and drums/synthesizer player Thomas Ross Turner.  They formed in 2004 and have released a total of four records on indie label Trashy Moped Records.  "Codename: Rondo," their latest, was released in late October.

Ghostland Observatory's music is a mix of electro, funk, rock, and new wave.  It has a cinematic quality to it, and also a dirty psychedelic vibe.  As you can tell, I can't really put a finger directly on their sound... I've been listening to this record for a couple months now and while I like it... their is an element of mystery there.  It's very "From Dusk to Dawn" meets "Death Proof," which as movies don't really tell you what the music is like... but this is the vibe I'm getting.  If that makes any sense.

Opener "Glitter" starts things off very glam, with a deep beat and then throbbing synths.  Behrens vocals are a falsetto-drenched psych-freak out... it's almost like he's invited you into a secret circus tent of the bizarre.  They are foremost a rock band, and write rock songs, though each usually start with an electronic beat and flourish throughout.  I really like second track "Miracles" and the dark "Give me a Beat."

This is an odd record... and I am stopping short of fully recommending it completely.  But, it's been a nagging record that I've liked that has begged to be highlighted here on WeCast... so here it is.  Mysterious, funky... the soundtrack to some desert-set nightmare for sure.

You can find out more from the band on their official website.

Enjoy.

Give me the Beat


Glitter (live)