Happy Ghosts

2007 LP Secret Code of Beauty

Reviewed by Dale Taylor

29 May 2008

'Secret Code of Beauty' is the latest LP release from local ambient-electronica producers, Andrew Muecke and Ashley Starky, AKA Happy Ghosts. The album comprises of 10 tracks each one unique in their own way, some groovy ambient, some haunting, some just out there. 'Secret Code of beauty' takes you on journey that you stoner electro freaks will want to take again.

The album is an eclectic collection of samples filled in with creative vocal passages, funky bass and guitar, groovy percussion/beats and haunting strings. It is well crafted and has good continuity.

Most tracks are funky and danceable with melodic guitar motifs and trippy vocal samples and groovy beats. I liked the placement of grungy samples and the thought given to instrumentation and arrangements.

Mostly it is free flowing ambient elecrtonica but with defined sections. I also enjoyed the occasional appearance of African percussion also piano and trumpet and some synths all us electro heads know and love. Go Reason!

The creators identify with composers such as David Sylvain, the Clash, and the Beatles but the album has a very Australian feel to it. There are also great storylines in the form of poetic lyrics and free style vocal passages, these only add to the journey. I was surprised to hear operatic vocals on track ten "Lament" a cool way to round off the album, and there is a bonus track too...Overall a unique creation from the duo.

The guys also create VJ style music videos that can be found on Myspace. Definitely worth a look.

The independent local act have had some recent success with video exposure on "Rage", local radio and a review of 'Secret Code of Beauty' in the Sydney Morning Herald. If you like your ambient grooves check them out!

for more information

Happy Ghosts