Doyen of indie electro, Adam Cresswell (aka Rodney Cromwell), has surprised us all by turning back the clock and slowdiving into the realms of purist indie with a new project, Cloud Studies. Joining him in the band are Martin J Langthorne (guitar) and Nat Guest (drums) and they have just released their debut single, Ghosts. Thankfully, they have not tried to re-invent the classic track by Japan (wipes brow - that's in my untouchable pile), but the recording is their own take on Gothgaze (or "Blackshoegaze" as some call it). Obviously, the genre mixes the downbeat mood of goth with the layered textures of shoegaze; two styles which I generally enjoy - making Ghosts an appealing listen for my (sometimes) grumpy old ears.
I did wonder if the lyrics "You’re the ghost, of my past. The ghost, I take everywhere" was a reference to Adam's old band, Saloon, but apparently not. The band explain "Despite being influenced initially by the Usbourne book, ‘World of the Unknown: Ghosts’, a vintage cult classic filled with screaming skulls, phantom ships and demon dogs, the lyrics tells a more human story. After the loss of a loved one, the protagonist is haunted by their memory and each night in his dreams he is visited by their apparition which dances and serenades him."
As a starter, the single offers a great springboard for the project. A timely release for those who want a treat, whilst passing on the tricks. Recommended by moi, Ghosts is available now via Happy Robots.