KTRU Pick of the Week: Siamese Sailboats
Every week at KTRU, eager DJs write out short reviews of music's cutting-edge albums. KTRU's Music Department uses these reviews to judge the quality of the albums it receives and to provide information for the DJs who play them. Each week, a DJ polishes one of these reviews so that KTRU's riches can shine for the larger Rice community.Hailing from Baytown, Texas, Ghost Mountain is an up-and-coming duo that plays a nice little mix of electro-pop that is quite reminiscent of MGMT, with influences from of Montreal, YACHT and other bands. Ghost Mountain has a certain quality to their music that makes it feel exuberant and alive, which is more than evident in its new Siamese Sailboats.
The album is a collection of 12 of their best tracks that range from bubbly and happy to spacey and introspective. Ghost Mountain's lyrics are delivered in a lighthearted and clever way that makes the unique talk-rapping enjoyable to listen to. Not to mention the fact that they are humorously witty: Lines like "Just because you're a girl doesn't mean you're attractive," and other tidbits will win a chuckle here and there.
The overall arrangements are particularly dance-worthy, with just the right combination of electronic instrumentation to goad the awareness into full alert while at the same time soothing the consciousness.
Ghost Mountain's youthful power is apparent in everything they do. Whether it be the teen-themed troubles tackled in songs like "The Atomic Brain," the moving groove of "Squid Riot" or the quasi-angsty, bleepy outburst in "Goodheart," a certain unique and raw charm permeates the album.
Part of what adds to this charm is the lack of huge production values that much of today's music has. Ghost Mountain is, in essence, two friends that got together and decided to make fantastic electronic, poppy goodness to provide themselves with a creative outlet.
One of the more entertaining tracks on the album is "BATMANONACOUCH" that focuses on the rapping aspect of the duo and provides a dose of lyrics that can't help but make one chortle at the truthful absurdity.
Another particularly fun track is "Just A Kid," a track that nostalgically evokes pleasant emotion through the bumping bass and guitar line.
The sincere flavor imbued into the project definitely shines through and comes across as pop for the sake of pop - not pop for the sake of popularity.
Ghost Mountain provides a compelling debut that is not only pleasing to listen to but a good break from the typical ho-hum music that has lost that sincere edge.
More from The Rice Thresher
Review: 'Adults' couldn’t have matured better
Sitcoms are back, and they’re actually funny. FX’s “Adults” is an original comedy following a friend group navigating New York and what it means to be an “actual adult.” From ever-mounting medical bills to chaotic dinner parties, the group attempts to tackle this new stage of life together, only to be met with varying levels of success.
Review: HAAPI Fest showcases Texas filmmakers
On a hot and hazy Texas day, the Houston Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival devoted an entire block of time towards Texas filmmakers. This June 7 showcase was but a small slice of the two weekends where HAAPI Fest centered Asian artists in film and other mediums, capping its final day with a comedy show.
Top 10 songs of the summer so far
Finals have wrapped, campus has emptied out and our playlists have exploded with fresh releases. From 10‑minute punk epics to sun‑drenched disco revivals, the early‑summer drop has been generous. Here are 10 tracks — in alphabetical order — that have ruled my headphones since the last textbook closed.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.