I am unfamiliar with the back catalogue of Vancouver’s Apollo Ghosts, but they’ve been around for over 15 years. It’s rather nice though to be able to dive into their new record (Amethyst) without any assumptions or expectation though, especially when it turns out to be this thoroughbly enjoyable.
At 7 songs, and staying just below the 20-minute mark, Amethyst is in that grey area between full length and EP. The brevity of the mini-album turns out to be a strength rather than limitation. The record pack a punch and Apollo Ghosts keep listeners on their toes with their intricate, upbeat, jangly and melodic indie/college rock. For extra appreciation, I recommend playing the tunes alongside the lyrics – delivered by alternating hushed vocal and talksinging parts. They are fun(ny), earnest and train-of-thought like, and you can find them on the band’s Bandcamp page.
Amethyst is out now on You’ve Changed Records. To say it is a pleasant surprise would be an understatement. Are all of their records this good?
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp
That’s the pre-Adrian teacher and the subs band that is active again now post-Adrian teacher and the subs. I like mostly all of Adrian Burros’ stuff.