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Album Review: Holy Ghost - Dynamics


As divisive as electro-pop may be for some, Holy Ghost's Dynamics just might convert a few stubborn skeptics. The record is as enjoyable and exhilarating as anything its genre can hope to accomplish. While not as artfully expansive, subtly revolutionary, or chart-busting as Daft Punk's Random Access Memories, Dynamics is more consistently and immediately fun than even that towering monolith (though, alas, there is nothing on the level of "Get Lucky"'s catchiness).

The New York City duo open up the record with the crackling creativity of "Okay" and "Dumb Disco Ideas," tighten their control on the Pheonix-tinged "Changing of the Guard," and bring Peter, Bjorn, and John-esque pop precision to "Dance A Little Closer." Most impressively, this is accomplished within the record's first third. What follows from there is none the weaker.

Clearly indebted to the eighties, Holy Ghost still sound very much of the moment. There are songs on Dynamics that could easily find mass radio-play if the band gained a bit more recognition. In a world where M83, Capital Cities, and Passion Pit score substantial hits, there certainly is a place for Holy Ghost's brand of synth-pop. It only remains to be seen if they can reach the audience they deserve.

Grade: B+

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