Ghost Town, Sky Is Falling (2017)
So, I reviewed this album just the other day, it’s a brand new record – brand new band, new release. And it’s a lovely record – thoughtful and gentle and easy (in the right way). And I don’t have a whole lot more to say about it right now, except I’m still listening to it, still loving it, and very happy to have it. A shout-out though for the crew sending vinyl, deciding that they should send it through to reviewers. And I’ll tell you why: I received the press-release about this, and I wrote back enthusiastically, saying I’d be keen to hear it – expecting a download-code or the promise that a promo disc would be in the post. Instead, the reply: “thanks, the band has set aside some vinyl to send out for promo, so will be in touch…” I’m impressed not (just) because I scored a free record, what if it was shit? Then that’s not great score. No, what’s right about this is the band values the format and the decision – aesthetically – to represent the music in this way, and so they sent it out accordingly. Recently I posted up a piece about the rules for bands with their first album. It wasn’t remotely tongue-in-cheek, but it was also just my way of saying how I think it should go, what I prefer. I posted this after I already knew I was receiving the Ghost Town on vinyl. But it’s been funny checking my work in-box ever since posting that. Lots of offers to send product instead of just links to Bandcamp. I don’t want to be rude, I wasn’t trying to hustle by writing that, but sending me a Bandcamp link and expecting me to be tied to my computer and/or to pay my own money for some ‘privilege’ to listen is absurd. You have to make it easy for the reviewer, send the CD or vinyl or give them a download code. That’s my belief. And so, anyway, back to this record – I love it. I’m thrilled to have it. I think it sounds terrific, I love the music on it and I really appreciate the gesture of being sent it: That commitment to format; to figuring the form – the look, the cover, the feel, the sound – all meant something to the band so it has to mean something to the reviewer. And hey, look below, I caught this snap of the cover in a rather cool – somewhat ghostly – light. I thought that was kinda neat.

Sample Track:  Sky Is Falling
The Vinyl Countdown is a document of every LP I listen to, brand new discoveries and old-old favourites; extremely pre-loved, previously abandoned or with the shrink-wrap having just been removed it’s all here at The Vinyl Countdown