Thought
Forms – Ghost Mountain (Invada Records)
Thought Forms is the Wiltshire-based trio of Charlie
Romijn (guitars/vocals), Deej Dhariwal (guitars/vocals) and Guy Metcalfe
(drums) - and “Ghost Mountain” is their second LP, since forming almost a
decade ago.
It’s clear that they draw inspiration from the indie and
rock scenes on both sides of the Atlantic (Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine
spring readily to mind) but their vision and passion leads them to wring out
new sound from experimental and improvised excursions. Combined with a
production that gives room for atmosphere and space means that they don’t slip
into mere (quiet/loud, slow/fast) cliché or pastiche. They are, at times,
loud and brutal but, as the album’s title suggests, there is a spectral quality;
usually pertaining to the half-submerged vocals and their wont to shift pace
continually.
Running through the tracks: “Landing” kicks off with
a slow and powerful 2-chord psychedelic dirge. Shifting pace, the guitars
of “Ghost Mountain You and Me” - strummed with the indie urgency of the Wedding
Present – are glazed with a dreamy vocal, and “Sans Soleil” is resplendent with
stateside Dinosaur Jr / post-Pixies raw melodies.
The centrepiece is the epic “Burn Me Clean” where an
ecclesiastical chant for the dark sonic generation slowly pipes its way into
jungle-fevered incantations and tormented hallucinations. “Only Hollow” was
selected as lead single, most likely for its length and accessibility, and has
received air play. “Afon” has a smoldering grace and “Song for Junko” is hued
with post-punk and hints of Galaxie 500. Album closer, “O”, is a
post-apocalyptical and desolate place.
Thoughts forms play, the Loop curated, All Tomorrow’s
Parties, Camber Sands 29 November – 01 December 2013.
Willsk
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