Robotique Majestique

Erik Gonzalez — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:42:39 +0000

2.8

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012K51UQ/wwwthreeimagi-20

Now, if you're interested in causing yourself intense mental anguish, you could decide to hop in your car and drive down to the local record shop to purchase Robotique Majestique, the newest from Austin's Ghostland Observatory.

I'm not entirely sure what they are trying to accomplish with the band. Yes, they like to dance. You know that they've been rocking out to Daft Punk's Homework for years now. Yet, somehow, you decide to throw in vocals that sound like they might fit in better on a Ratt track rather than anything you should hear in a danceclub. I'm not sure what it is about the French dance genre that is so hard to replicate, as the bands who have tried it like Ghostland Observatory and VHS or Beta have gone downhill in every attempt they make at it, slowly devolving into a caricature of the music they are trying to create.

Even listening to the so-called single from Robotique Majestique, "Heavy Heart," you almost feel insulted by the stripped-down retro-dance melodies that are then ransacked and pillaged by the overly-tortured vocals that dominate the band.

And really, it all goes plummets from there.

I'm not sure what it is about the French dance genre that is so hard to replicate, as the bands who have tried it like Ghostland Observatory and VHS or Beta have gone downhill in every attempt they make at it, slowly devolving into a caricature of the music they are trying to create.

Paparazzi Lightning

imaginary stella — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 07:00:00 +0000

http://www.trashymoped.com/

ghostlandobservatory.jpg

Paparazzi Lightning is the second full-length release from Austin duo Ghostland Observatory. It's tough to believe just two dudes create this monstrosity of sound. They pack a smacking aural punch of whip-snap dance music in the post-punk vein (i.e., it's angsty, but no less danceable).

The comparisons to The Rapture seem obvious: Vocalist/guitarist Aaron Behrens shrilly catcalls his way thorough most of the album's 10 tracks, while keys/drummer/producer Thomas Turner provides tempo-splitting beats with serious groove.

The infectious "Sad Sad City" has been receiving lots of attention on KEXP for the past several weeks, with "Piano Man" (sorry, not the Billy Joel hit) close on its heels. Both tracks are highlights of the already strong record. The tandem takes pause for the second half of the album, including "Stranger Lover," reminiscent of "Digital Love" by Daft Punk.

Ghostland Observatory's bio may say it best: "Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock 'n roll souls." Paparazzi Lightning is one of those albums that crosses genres in the way hipsters love— enough rock to appeal to their string-loving hearts, but enough beats to move those feet.

It may even make Seattle's notoriously stoic listeners dance.

Paparazzi Lightning is one of those albums that crosses genres in the way hipsters love— enough rock to appeal to their string-loving hearts, but enough beats to move those feet.

Three Imaginary Girls - Trashy Moped

Robotique Majestique

Paparazzi Lightning