Using techniques such as warm synths, white noise, haunting and ghostly vocals, as well as a variety of bass/dubstep contrasts, a dark moody soundscape is beautifully created.
Ghostek’s latest EP, Easy Changes, is a strong album with four tracks, each able to stand on its own as an individual piece of music yet come together to create a solid album. Using techniques such as warm synths, white noise, haunting and ghostly vocals, as well as a variety of bass/dubstep contrasts, a dark moody soundscape is beautifully created. Although Easy Changes can’t be described as completely unique, it’s an aesthetically pleasing album and one can see just how talented Ghostek is.Sold out in pre-sale and the reason why is more than evident—the tracks are, for lack of better words, really good and entertaining to listen to. One personal favorites is “Easy Changes”—an interesting track when it comes to composition. Ghostek plays around with the vocals in a way that makes them inconsistent and alluring. At times they are muffled which lends a haunting affect to the track while at other times they shine through and clearly state their message. A crackling white noise opens “Easy Changes” prior to the distant singing. All in all “Easy Changes” is a softer dubstep track which showcases the lighter side of the genre.
The other favorite on this album is “My Lady”—quite a contrast to “Easy Changes” in the opening which continues throughout the entire track. It opens with a pumping beat and faster time-stamp. The vocals share a similar cadaverous aura, and one can tell the same artist composed both tracks, but all in all the core qualities are quite diverse. The more known and stereotypical aspects of dubstep (thumping bass, faster beats, non-liner time signatures) are dominant on “My Lady” and when played on proper speakers, someone’s downstairs neighbors would feel none too pleased whilst the listener feels the opposite sentiment.
Though it is easy to see how Ghostek is often compared to Burial, there is a large difference in the two in terms of vocals. Easy Changes doesn’t put too much emphasis on them, rather muffling the lyrics or having the singers deliver them in a whispery ghostly manner. No track opens with a dominant vocal lead which is common on several of the stylings by Burial (examples “Archangel” and “Untrue”). The only track which somewhat opens with a large vocal presence is “Stolen Generation,” but even on that song, the vocals are mixed, broken, and unclear at times. Yes the beats and general sound templates are rather comparable; the vocal offerings distinguish the two artists.
Ghostek is a talented artist and the thought and feeling put forth in his music is easily experienced. He has a great sound and made four stand-alone tracks come together, creating a beautiful EP. Easy Changes is not only good listening, but a testament to the diversity of the dubstep genre. Sure, similar
sounds are out there, but that takes nothing away from an extended player which is helping further dubstep in the underground community.
Easy Changes is available on Shipwrec. Buy at Shipwrec, iTunes, or Amazon.
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