Ghost Culture
by Ghost Culture
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Muddsjr
    Mar 7, 2015
    8
    A dark, hollow electronic experience that keeps you interested throughout. Simultaneously interest could possibly do the same for the Mercury awards judges, I reckon.
  2. stopmakingsense
    Feb 15, 2015
    8
    Ghost Culture is James Greenwood, a 24 year old Londoner who began making music in his bedroom in 2013. After releasing a series of singles which quickly gained him a following, he was picked up by Erol Alkan's Phantasy label. Alkan, who co-produced and mixed Greenwood's self-titled debut, described the moment he heard the track "How" as "what The Strokes would have sounded like, had theyGhost Culture is James Greenwood, a 24 year old Londoner who began making music in his bedroom in 2013. After releasing a series of singles which quickly gained him a following, he was picked up by Erol Alkan's Phantasy label. Alkan, who co-produced and mixed Greenwood's self-titled debut, described the moment he heard the track "How" as "what The Strokes would have sounded like, had they been produced by Delia Derbyshire.” Ghost Culture features a diverse set of electro-pop tracks incorporating elements of synth-pop, house, techno and more. Many influences can be heard throughout, from older ones like Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk, to more recent ones like Caribou and Hot Chip. Despite these, Greenwood's music is his own. It sounds fresh and accessible but also adventurous, containing enough nice surprises that take things into more left-field areas. Greenwood's soft, sleepy vocals work on the albums more upbeat tracks but also on the albums more laid back ballads. Kate Travers excellently described it as "a house fan's Alice in Wonderland experience."Ghost Culture ends as it begins with strong set of tracks that leave you wanting more. A superb debut.

    ~ Stand Out Tracks: Mouth; Giudecca; Arms; Lucky; Answer    … Expand
  3. Brickfaced
    Jan 22, 2015
    8
    Ghost Culture is off to a flying start with his self-titled debut.

    Ghost Culture blends electronic dance music together with ambient, layered soundscapes and sprawling beats almost effortlessly. The whole album is saturated with infectious synths that are cheerful as they are dreamy; vibrant as they are mellow. There is a distinct current of electronic dream-pop across the album,    Ghost Culture is off to a flying start with his self-titled debut.

    Ghost Culture blends electronic dance music together with ambient, layered soundscapes and sprawling beats almost effortlessly. The whole album is saturated with infectious synths that are cheerful as they are dreamy; vibrant as they are mellow.

    There is a distinct current of electronic dream-pop across the album, although there are some notable game changers. 'Giudecca' and 'Glass' for example, display bubblegum beat prowess first and foremost, whereas 'How' and 'Glaciers' offer more of a downtrodden lull. Either way, the one thing that is consistent across the songs is muted, almost disinterested vocals.

    By no means does this have to be a negative thing either, since Ghost Culture's dry, calming voice cuts through his expansive soundscapes with far more impact than it otherwise could.

    Ghost Culture evidently has a knack for treading lightly between sleepy and perky, but just as the album threatens to fall into a deep slumber, it asserts its aptitude with the hallucinogenic dance floor grooves of 'Lucky' and 'Answer', the latter especially providing a satisfying climax towards the end of the album's duration.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Mojo
    Feb 18, 2015
    80
    Ghost Culture;s pungent, treacly melodies and fidgety, complex syncopation are a robust blend. [Mar 2015, p.97]
  2. AllMusic
    Jan 21, 2015
    80
    Even if Alkan's association may suggest something more banging, this debut is perfect for overcast afternoon sessions or anytime the head is melancholy while the feet crave movement.
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  3. Clash Music
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    From the flicks of tousled hair and being pale and away with the fairies, the end product sounds more masterful and comfortingly in control than other fashion zeitgeists and angular pouters with every listen.
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