Galapaghost – Neptunes EP
self-released 2010
[tags: acoustic, indie, folk, EP, 2010]
Listen while reading:
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Do you remember Galapaghost? We wrote about his debut EP Our Lost Generation earlier (click here to read it) and a few days ago he contacted me again and submitted his new EP called Neptunes. I think it save to say that he improved his sound by 100 percent and created flawless 15 (out of 19*) minutes of (indie) folk. This is progress I really like to see, because I can feel that Casey Chandler works on his music to become better and more honestly. And this is exactly what music is all about, trying to sound real – much more easier said than done though. (* I said out of 19 minutes because one track is not quite my taste, but I come to this later).
Casey’s voice was one of the features I liked about the first EP and I still think that it is pretty nice to listen to. It sounds somehow different than other voices but still got this characteristic indie feeling to it. The best example of how good it works with acoustic guitar is the opener Aloner. Build around minimal percussions, some electric guitar and of course acoustic guitar it is the first highlight of the EP to prove that this one man band got plenty of potential. Beauty of Birds (and the following Solemn that seems to work as an instrumental outro for Beauty Of Birds and a bridge to Human Unkind) is more traditional acoustic indie folk with strummed acoustic guitar and country influences, but again Casey’s voice is really an ear catcher and gives a special touch to the song.
This brings me to Human Unkind, for me the best track of Neptunes, the combination of ukulele, acoustic guitar and electronic sounds here and there is just the sound that I connect with Galapaghost (don’t worry, no folk-tronic here) There is something to the music that is different than other music, but at the same time you always have the feeling to listen to indigenous (indie) folk. Just the refreshment the EP needs to stay in mind. And because we done it song by song, I will come to the next one immediately. Don’t Go & Break My Heart is the title and it seems to be the most down to earth track of the six. Strummed guitar, classical indie folk style, Casey’s vocals and very nice female backing vocals that give positive vibes to this love song – I like it for it is just honestly sung and a good tune (maybe not as creative as others, but therefore plain and simple).
And now? BAM!
Neptune, the last track of the EP. “What’s that,” I thought, as I first listened to it. “Has he included the wrong track,” – I don’t think so. Why I was surprised? – just because the sound of the title track had absolutely nothing in common with the previous tracks. Its synthesizer drenched electro (folk?) pop, very loud and with heavy support from the drum machine. I really don’t know how to place this track in the context of the others and therefore I simply don’t do so. I try to see this as a separate track, but these e-guitar riffs seem a bit uncreative to me and so do the drums. It’s definitely not my music and I honestly can’t judge this. I don’t see any of the above mentioned good features of Galapaghost in it. But one thing seems obvious: this track inspired the cover artwork – or the other way around.
In the end I really don’t know if Neptune should influence my overall opinion. But for me being a very kind human being, it won’t. And so I just tell you, that the Neptunes EP is a really nice (indie) folk release and that Casey Chandler improved his sound and his songwriting very much in comparison to his first EP. His voice is distinct, his guitar play charming and well working and his folk can be recommended if you’re interested in singer-songwriters that stand at the beginning of their careers. So, if you like the music, don’t hesitate to give Neptunes a chance and buy it directly from iTunes or AmazonMp3 to support the artist. Be sure to visit him on his MySpace too, where you can listen to more tracks from the EP.
Good to hear the development of Galapaghost