Seoul - I Become A Shade
Last Gang Records
Montreal’s Seoul are shrouded in a mysterious glow. Their particular brand of dream pop often echoes the sophisticated panache of France’s Phoenix, but with slower, marshmallow grooves that bring to mind a faded disco ball in an abandoned after hours club.
Their debut album begins with its title track, "I Become A Shade.” It’s sleepy, hypnotic and lush and ends with a sharp arpeggiated synth, just to even things out. “White Morning” is an early sunrise anthem as they sing “the moment I wake up I come to life again.” “Silencer” is a wonderful, relaxed exploration into mellow-disco and new romantic lyricism. There is nighttime imagery, cityscapes and urban myths all revealed as much in their sonic textures as in their words. This is some pretty sensual stuff, and that’s OK. I Become A Shade serves as a reminder that sometimes you just gotta pour yourself a glass of white wine and feel something.
All ratings out of five:
3.5/5
