Simian Ghost - Youth

Micro genres come and go. Chillwave, 2009-2010’s big buzzword, has unsurprisingly melted down. Where bloggers hailed the likes of Toro Y Moi and Washed Out as chillwave’s finest, these artists have progressively distanced themselves from the genre they helped innovate.

Swedes Simian Ghost were pigeonholed into the chillwave genre with last year’s ‘Lovelorn’ EP. Originally Sebastian Armstrom’s solo project, it’s since evolved to include sibling Erik Klinga and Friend Mathias Zachrisson. Their appeal has led to shared stages with Mount Kimbie, SBTRKT and Niki & the Dove and pats on the back are due for Armstrom who writes and produces all the band’s music. Like Toro Y Moi and Washed Out though, they’ve given any chillwave associations a firm boot in the face and the resultant ‘Youth’ is their warmest record yet.

As the name suggests, ‘Youth’s most rousing moments lie in its themes of youthful exuberance and naivety. Dreamy opener ‘Curtains Call’ concerns shattered hope as Armstrom whispers: “You tried to convey ideas from dreams but no one cared enough to see.” ‘Siren’ recounts the innocence of classroom infatuations which intensifies during ‘Wolf Girl’ as Armstrom cynically reflects: “And I bow my head politely / I embrace your cautious ways ever so lightly / And my arm around your waist is / Just another smart accessory to blend with.” ‘Youth’s crowning moment comes during closing track ‘No Dreams.’ it’s tale of unrealistic love and atop a chilly atmosphere and repetitively chiming melodies, it would even make the XX swoon.

Perhaps the biggest criticism is that ‘Youth’s hypnotised state is sometimes a little too sedated. Its title track, ‘The Capitol’ and ‘Fenix’ are all pleasant enough but lack any real dynamic and verge on the point of becoming fillers. Those are only minor niggles for an accomplished album though and Simian Ghost should be able to look back and be proud of their ‘Youth.’