Album Review: Bridges and Powerlines – Ghost Types
Rating: 7.4/10
The strangely engaging harmony from Bridges and Powerlines could probably miss a chord several times in a song yet no one but the members of the group would know. No one would mind either. What the band from New York generated with Ghost Types stands alone every time it plays.
Formed out of Andrew Wood (vocals/keyboard), Keith Sigel (bass), Jon Crockett (guitar), and Pete Mucek (drums), Bridges and Powerlines emit their fresh take on each track in Ghost Types. From Woods’ rising vocals that remind one of making a song up as they go (except with excellent precision) to the pop-friendly synth melodies, the charm of the album presents itself at every corner.
Starting with the fan favorite “Uncalibrated”, the album opens as the keyboard and the vocals bounce and sing “I could make it cold inside just by being here.” “Floods and Fields” follows with a rockers mentality type song, which is highlighted by a more upfront drum sound, louder vocals and the first real guitar solo on Ghost Types.
The theme that tails every track is Woods’ well-pronounced, yet toned-down lyrics. The best example on the album comes with “Maine” at track nine. Although the whole tempo of the album briefly slows down around this section of Ghost Types, the shaking of the hi-hats and a strong electric guitar presence seem to drown out the vocals until “this is your last lie” closes out “Maine”.
Although a clean album throughout, “Uncalibrated” clearly contains the most zip. “Middle Child” and “The Ghost Types” both come close to providing another single but ultimately fall short. The album can casually be played but when looking for something to sing along or shake to, it doesn’t have it.
Overall, Ghost Types manages to lighten up the room without ever flicking the power pop switch. It could be called a controlled effort by some but the wily transition of the album suggests a progressive pop approach without the catchy lyrics for many of the tracks. This is highly recommended to fans of French Kicks or Maximo Park. You can buy the album here or check out their sound on myspace.
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