Fourth full length from Ghostly/Spectral co-founder Matthew Dear. This is quite the departure from his last effort, 2010's Black City which was steeped in shadowy darkness. On Beams the NY-based artist explores brightly melodic, synth-laden, vocal-driven territory - a very different kind of sound then the minimal techno he built his name on. Here Dear is creating a strange new breed of vocal pop music, boldly exploring new sounds and techniques (namely his voice!). From Ghostly - "...It may be odd to hear former techno-wunderkind Matthew Dear playing rock music, but the manic punk pulse of "Earthforms" is just one facet of Beams’ kaleidoscopic journey. Shot through with equal parts optimism and uneasiness, Beams is the latest transmission from one of pop music's most fascinating creative minds..." Approach with an open mind and you might be rewarded. Pressed on clear double vinyl with cover painting by Michael Cina. music label: Ghostly International 2012 reviewed by TKB 09/2012
