A. Swayze & the Ghosts are undoubtedly one of the most underrated bands coming out of the antipodean music scene, while in my humble opinion being one of the most exciting and creative outfits around. Their last album ‘Let’s Live A Life Better Than This’ received a rare 9.5/10 from Backseat Mafia (see the review here) and live they have continuously mesmerised us with their dynamism and commitment. It is therefore with some pride that we premiere today the debut solo single ‘A Prayer’ from the charismatic and thrilling singer A. Swayze.
Having rested the Ghosts (one assumes temporarily), Swayze has delved further into the world of electronica with a passionate delivery that puts to fore his Bowie-esque vocals. Driven by piano, played by Allan McConnell of Close Counters, the sound is layered with a wash of synths and drones in the ether, picking up the pace to create a motorik beat, fast paced with almost a Spanish flair to the rhythm. Elements of techno and EDM sweep in, sometimes at the edges, sometime at the fore, with touches of Moby, Underworld or Avicii. The result is something that ebbs and flows like an advancing tide, before departing on a blurr of sound.
The lyrics ache with emotion:
It happens all around me
I can hear them screaming out
Because before yesterday I was still dreaming
And it’s sad to know the fact
That aside from you and me
Nobody got anything they wanted to
I need this one more
Send some good fortune to I
Can’t you position I?
Would you abandon I?
Swayze says of the track:
‘A Prayer’ bounds across genres, and to me it is unique in its marriage of contrasting elements and moods. My musical interests span wide and my inclination as a producer is to find sounds and form arrangements based on how I react to them physically/emotionally when I hear them.
I think precedent is helpful as a compass for writing – but instinct and reaction is the force that propels me forward and decides the path my songs travel.
This is an incredible nine minute cinematic track that takes you on a thrilling journey moving from indie pop to something more ethereal and – dare I say – ghostly. Perhaps signaled by his band’s last album, Swayze displays an assured experimental creativity that leaves behind his former punk inclinations to rocket into celestial spheres.
An absolutely mesmerising piece of music that paints a sonic kaleidoscope of imagery on an endless canvas. ‘A Prayer’ is out on 21 August and you can download and stream from that date here and here.
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