Simian Ghost - Youth

[rating=3]
Comprised of front man, writer and producer Sebastian Arnström, alongside Erik Klinga and Mathias Zachrisson, Simian Ghost is a delightful Scandi electro-pop outfit who return with Youth. Following up their critically acclaimed Infinite Traffic Everywhere debut, the success of which allowed them to tour alongside the likes Mount Kimbie, SBTRKT and Niki and the Dove, Youth is a move away from the DIY electronica showcased here and on the follow up Lovelorn EP. With a fuller sound mixing guitar pop with synths and laptops they have created an album that while lacking in differentiation from much of the current scene, is a triumph nonetheless.

Sounding like a less glitchy, more blissed out offshoot of Animal Collective, tracks like ‘Youth’ and ‘Wolf Girl’ ooze breezy, carefree vocals, while guitar number ‘The Capitol’ finds itself ever so slightly reminiscent of Bloc Party’s ‘So Here We Are’. ‘Sparrow’ treds a more acoustic guitair focused path, while ‘Fenix’ channels ‘Phoenix’. There’s something for everyone here. A record that isn’t in a hurry; there’s no need for immediacy with such acclaim already behind them. Youth is as affective as an attentive listen as it is a slumbersome nostalgic echo in the background.

Review by Melanie McGovern