The Ghost Dances; Battles On

Like a rousing anthem, perhaps in anticipation of the ultimate fighting match, the album opens with the Dream of a Failed Architect which only begins to prepare one for the onset of combat. Without hesitation the Battle(')s On as the Ghost is Dancing come out swinging, steadily peppering their opponents with the crashing of the high-hat and sing-along body shots. The next round (Rogues and Heroes) opens with a slight reprieve from the onslaught (with an Immaculate Machine feel), before building back up and once again using an infectious na-na-na chorus as a weapon. With the next frame being billed as 'This Thunder' more heavy blows are expected but instead we end up dancing most of the time. We Stick Together as we build steadily up to what turns out to be the round of the fight. From the onset they draw us into their hex, before the Ghost comes pounding with a super catchy beat, and Louis Riel could prove to be the surprise underground hit of the summer. It is a saving grace that after the pummeling they let up with piano-based Strange Times, before saying the Battles Off in such a convincing manner with that beautiful female refrain that you do believe wholeheartedly and forget the fight ever happened.

Was a Universe softly picks the guitar, and then Flashing Pictures continues at a slower pace until the building percussion bursts out a chorus, before dropping you back to quiet and then returning again - before taking an unexpected lovely turn as the piano comes in. It is a song that is more dynamic than anticipated, and it keeps things interesting over its far-longer-than-pop length. Once again a piano-opening greets you on Old Children, and offers sound advice for children of all ages "Don't give up on the fight, don't give up on your dreams." The album closes with a rousing song which is much more uplifting than its title (Without Friends) would lead you to believe, and leaves the combatant toe-tapping and cheery.