Although beginning its life in New York City under the guidance of Pat Dillet, who has produced works for both Julia Stone and St. Vincent, Eliza Hull’s sophomore EP, The Ghosts You Never Catch, found its completion in Victoria’s Peninsula region.
In many ways the record title not only makes sense on a lyrical level, but it too makes a case for what is to be expected musically across the 25 minute extended play.
It fits amongst many labels appealed to time and time again in similar artistic expressions, it’s spacious, atmospheric and ethereal but it still manages to push itself outside an area already explored.
‘Head Above Water’ sets the foundation, being the most instrumentally restricted track featuring only a heavily reverberated electric guitar and Hull’s vocals. Although it holds back, it appears as a quite breath before allowing key tracks, ‘Christopher’ and ‘Northern Lights’ to take centre.
The soundscape is both lush and delicate as Hull draws listeners closer with so much to be appreciated that may not be initially apparent. Well placed and subtle tremolo effects gives lift and life, again pushing the line already crossed.
It never feels crowded, despite the complexity that is present within a number of the mixes. The rich production creates a very refined and certain response. This is to the credit of both Hayden Calnin, who produced all but one of the tracks, and beat maker Dylan Hill.
‘Ghost’ exemplifying Hill’s talent of discernment, never pulling audiences away from Hull’s voice, that seemingly floats across the soundscape, but rather strengthens its position and her intention.
