Downes Braide Association: Suburban Ghosts

The pairing of Geoff Downes of Asia and Yes fame and Chris Braide, a name less familiar, but with a producer/writing list of credits including Paloma Faith, Christina Aguilera and Lana Del Rey, in one way or another, you've heard his work (although for readers of this site, his recent This Oceanic Feeling debut, which was reviewed on SoT very positively, will be of much more interest), return with their second album Suburban Ghosts. The duo's debut, Pictures Of You, made a strong impression, Downes going back to his The Buggles strengths by moving between prog and pop, and album number two follows a similar route. However through the voice of Braide, these songs have much more impact and staying power than the description pop suggests.

Taking a slice of 80s electronica and infusing a far more obvious song based approach results in a collection of infectious and memorable songs that veer far from expected, while feeling readily familiar. "Machinery Of Fate" opens this album's account in rip roaring yet controlled fashion, Downes laying down a full pelt melody which is corralled by a classy, shimmering vocal. However the two track (yet three part) title cut is probably the most instantly memorable on the disc, the repeat of "I see ghosts, suburban ghosts" a true stick in the mind. Although the follow up smack of "Vanity" provides a stunningly impressive vocal delivered against stark piano and atmospheric washes. It's not only an illustration of Braide's vocal prowess but also his pristine production, from which this album benefits hugely.

A conceptual piece, covering the idea of the isolation and loneliness of small town living revisited by someone who has left and returned after experiencing the wide world, leaves the album being about the "suburban ghosts" encountered as the past is relived. Impressively through a set of songs that do undoubtedly rely on the word pop (although there are many strong prog references throughout) for much of their inspiration, the likes of "North Sea", "Time Goes Fast" and "Dreaming Of England" have a depth and intricacy not often associated with that genre. Or at least not for many a year. And interestingly "Finale", which reprises the music of the album's opening cut sans vocals, reveals how closely linked Downes Braide Association are to Downes' early work in The Buggles. That band took his keyboard prowess, married it to catchy themes, melodies and ideas and employed a charismatic vocalist who also had the production midas touch to bring them to fruition. Sound familiar? The results are as captivating now as they were way back when, even if they sound decidedly different - and similar.

Track Listing
1. Machinery Of Fate
2. Suburban Ghosts – Parts 1 and 2
3. Suburban Ghosts – Part 3
4. Vanity
5. Number One
6. Interlude
7. North Sea
8. One Of The Few
9. Time Goes Fast
10. Live Twice
11. Dreaming Of England
12. Finale

Added: March 14th 2016
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Suburban Ghosts at Cherry Red
Hits: 2995
Language: english

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