Motor Sound Records (label)
23 November 2010 (released)
23 November 2010
The Ghosts of Progress were a band I first came across earlier this year. They had raw, rough live recordings from a gig they played somewhere. Despite the slightly scratchy recordings you could sense a brilliant atmosphere and a real band making real music. The song `Anal Blues` especially a stand out track. So it was with excitement that I received their debut studio album in the post.
It grabs you by the K.P `s as soon as first song `Bitch in Heat` begins. Its QOTSA riffage mixing well with a powerful Dundonian vocal that screams quality lines such as `Genetically modified children with eyes like TV screens` and the album flows and grows from strength to strength
The majority of the tracks rock with bluesey white stripes tinged anthems but theres also `Free Dumb` and `The Story of a Princess` which slow things down slightly. Just enough to give Lew Pelgrave enough respite to show off a Gomez style soul to his voice as well as having the ability to rip it up with an aggressive swagger on others.
The album is feverishly fast-paced, packed with swift jabs of distortion and witty social commentary. It`s unashamedly loud, proud and ballsy. Tales of drunken conquests, failure and comedy all dripping with attitude and skill.
`Anal Blues` is still my favourite track off the album. The `Why wont you take me home` chorus will be embedded in your cranium for days after one listen. I also have to give huge credit to anyone brave enough for naming a song `Hail to the Memory Wank` on their album. If your easily offended you probably wont like this album but then again you have a neverending rotation of bubblepop `talent` contests to watch on T.V with subsequent `Hit` records as a spin-off to sing along too as you flick through Heat magazine as your brain slowly turns to mush. Your spoiled for choice. The rest of us on the other hand need a rare breath of fresh air like this that kicks you in the arse and demands your attention and this album does just that.
The boys have done well to get an album that sounds lush in production yet the live angst remains.l`ll be listening to this for years to come. It`s a classic that will surely stand the test of time. You can purchase `Exchange your Problems for Dope and Whisky` by going to http://www.motorsoundsrecords.net and you can also get a copy and see these guys doing it live in the flesh on December 4th at Pivo Pivo , Glasgow as part of music-news.com`s `Tips for 2011` show. More details at the link below------
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141303699251585
`Music-news.com Tips for 2011` Glasgow Underground live show feat. Ghosts of Progress, Annie Stevenson, Masters of the Sea, The Fold and Two Rivers.
December 4th, Pivo Pivo, Glasgow. £6 entry
Tickets now available from Tickets- Scotland or direct from the bands
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141303699251585
