Because of Ghosts - This Culture of Background Noise

Presenter

Shannon Fox

Published

Thursday 2nd October

Perhaps the clue is in the title for this, the second album from Melbourne’s Because of Ghosts. “This Culture of Background Noise” rallies against that very suggestion, instead forcing you to stop immediately and pay attention. This is introspective, post-rock at its best.

Stripped back yet still full bodied, the guitar-bass-drums combo has been rendered dreamy, lulling you into a slow burning musical blaze. Layers of sound swell, causing each track to rise and fall. “The Content is Irrelevant” is perhaps the best example of this, with mid song breaks that sound like the onset of rainstorms.

Singing strings join in on standout track “Canadia”, yet it is still the guitar that stands out. Each note is given full attention in this song. The languid pace ensures you hear every nuance, which, in instrumental pieces, seems important.

“This Culture of Background Noise” was recorded onto tape and with the duration of most tracks hovering around the six minute mark, it’s plain to see Because of Ghosts aren’t in any hurry. To enjoy it fully, neither should you be. Each track stands alone, but the album is at its best as a cohesive piece.

Put it on and gaze out the window. You’ll notice the world seems somehow more beautiful.