It is the middle of winter in Auckland, New Zealand, but Ghost Wave has delivered a wonderful summer album. Radio Norfolk combines dubby effects, layers of percussion, electronics, horns, and jangling guitars to create a shimmering, psychedelic aural brand of sunshine. The melodies sparkle, the basslines are propulsive and the songs flow with purpose. The purpose may be to dance yourself into another dimension with someone you love, but that sounds like a good goal to us.
Ghost Wave are Matt Paul and Eammon Logan. Ages, their debut album was an appealing jangle pop set, and I've been anticipating their second act for three years. Radio Norfolk doesn't follow its predecessor in style, but as fond as I am of jangle pop, I think it is a stunning step forward for the band. If one were to be limited to a one word descriptor, it would be "more". More bass, more layers, more haze, more smiles. more love, more trippy jams. You might detect influences such as Happy Mondays, Spaceman 3, and Stone Roses, but the freewheeling duo of Ghost Wave make this sound all their own.
The vibe is so cool, you may feel compelled to wear sunglasses. It is OK, I'm wearing them now as I type and listen to the album. Welcome to Radio Norfolk -- it may be your favorite summer album this year.
Radio Norfolk is available now via Flying Nun Records and Arch Hill Recordings.
Pre-Order page for Radio Norfolk
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