Swedish indie-troupe Simian Ghost’s latest album, “Youth”, received substantial critical acclaim when it hit the shops in March. The latest single to be taken from the record “Automation” is a true highlight from that record, a blissed-out slice of perfect pop, with hushed vocals leading into a twinkling and memorable chorus. If the sun ever decides to come out this Summer, then the band might just try and claim credit.
Simian Ghost’s success begain last year when the band, a live trio led by Sebastien Arnstrom, toured Sweden and shared stages with the likes of Mount Kimbie, SBTRKT and Niki and the Dove to name but a few. The year also brought demand in for his remix work – including contributions for hotly tipped LA shoegazers Letting Up Despite Great Faults and an as yet unreleased turn on one of Bjork’s recent efforts.
Most importantly, 2011 saw their first release with UK label and tastemakers Heist Or Hit, who oversaw their Lovelorn EP, which hit our shores in November. Lead track “Free Agent” saw wide acclaim in not only the UK and Europe but even in the US, where Pitchfork deemed it strong enough to feature in the first week of their site redesign as a key track. Other credible and relevant sources went on to follow in their footsteps – Clash, The Line Of Best Fit, The Fly and i-D all proclaiming their love for the track and subsequent EP.
Whereas Lovelorn, a wonderfully understated but primarily electronic record, was in Sebastian’s words ”a collection of songs all conceived in my messy living room, very DIY”, the follow up ‘Youth’, and in turn ‘Automation’, is very much more of a full band affair – reflecting their live presence – the guitars are back and the result is a stylish coming together of all the debut’s promise with the added sophistication and maturity that Lovelorn brought to the mix.
Clever but accessible, and with live sessions recorded for Simon Raymonde, Lauren Laverne, The Line Of Best Fit and The Mahogany Blog over the last couple of months, their ascent has really only just begun.
