Ester Drang - Goldenwest

CD: BTV037
RELEASED: 2001
LABEL: Burnt Toast

The songs on Goldenwest are intricate compositions with ghostly melodies and pulsing, moody jams. These are well thought out rhythm and guitar based songs that come out full, filling the room with a washed and airy grace. The electronics nestle into the mix perfectly, the band masterfully avoiding any hint of overindulgence.It's really difficult to really describe the sound of Ester Drang as they hit a balance between accessibility and artistry that is so rare. Imagine Pink Floyd, Sigur Ros, Mogway, Radiohead and Echo and the Bunnymen collaborating on a soundtrack to a movie set in 1985 and you'll be in the neighborhood. Though severely atmospheric, at times even bordering on psychedelic, the songs are anchored by melodic vocals that recall the Brit-pop style of The Ocean Blue or even Coldplay. Though at times the sound may dive into a stew of guitar distortion and chaos, the thread remains connected and eventually the melody returns, even stronger than it had been. Things change fairly quickly, and quiet percussion and breathy vocals are added to the mix to give it a heady, swirling feel that it never really comes down from. In fact, Goldenwest draws much of it's power from a subtle layering of rather gentle sounds. The opening, album-titled track "Golden West" shimmers along with several layers of twinkling keyboards and some subtle drumming, while "How Good Is Good Enough" creates some nice guitar white noise for a backdrop. The band proves they can pack a delightful amount of sounds into a pop-length track as well. "Song For Jonathon" still contains plenty of gurgling keyboards, and breathy vocals, but things develop at a more interesting pace in the shorter length and the track stands out because of it. An excellent atmospheric pop album, and another group to look out for in the future.

Influences / Similar Artists:
The Serenes, Pink Floyd, Sigur Ros, Mogway, Radiohead, Echo and the Bunnymen

Beoordeel