Do you ever wish that the 1980s never ended? If so, then Holy Ghost’s Dynamics is for you.
From neon clothing to Ronald Reagan, it’s fair to say that the ‘80s were a chaotic decade. On Dynamics, Alex Frankel and Nick Millhiser ignore these sociopolitical complexities, focusing solely on superficial yet danceable grooves.
The opening quartet shows off the duo’s ability to create a riveting groove whilst paying homage to new-wave greats, Depeche Mode and Talking Heads.
Notably, eight-minute epic “Dumb Disco Ideas” is a cowbell-heavy banger underlined by glimmers of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious”. More importantly, however, this transformative number showcases their ability to send the listener into a beautiful, rave-like trance. It’s a rare display of authenticity on an album that thrives off imitation.
Additionally, the funkalicious “Bridge and Tunnel” – with its blend of soulful backing vocals, Michael Jackson-esque strings and dripping synths – is one of few tracks where this titular dynamism shines through.
Contrarily, slow-burners “It Must Be The Weather” and “I Wanna Be Your Hand” are disadvantaged by the absence of racing tempos, drawing attention to Frankel’s cheesy lyricism and uncreative melodies.
As individual entities, most tracks on Dynamics (bar pointless interlude “1 For Edgar”) are pulsating numbers that will make you want to dance a little closer (pun intended). Yet in a 50-minute sequence, this retro charm nears inexistence in the second half.
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Whilst it may be a great soundtrack for recreating Risky Business, revelling in nostalgia and getting your groove on, Dynamics has very little else to offer.
