The Black Ghosts - Water Will Find A Way

Posted by Pete Adkins at 09/01/2012 10:32:00

Water Will Find A Way’ is an example of Brit synth-pop at its biggest and most brash; its brassy bass, string interludes, pop-rock cymbals and tinkling keys making for an upbeat number that not even the lyrics of nightmares, moonlight and heartbreak can dampen. Whilst the original version's tightly-orchestrated production hogs the limelight, the tongue-firmly-in-cheek goth lyrics take full centre-stage in the otherwise slightly lacking acoustic version that accompanies the EP.  

A remix courtesy of London boys Firas and RCRD sees the track edited into something that would slide into an eclectic house DJ set; a deep whirring bass accompanies disco-funk chords and the vocals are chopped up into haunting fragmentary sentences. It’s all rather fun and light-hearted, but despite a great vocal hook, it never quite gets into gear as you might hope it does. Of a very different ilk is the techno make-over courtesy of Panton and Cyron B. Cold, spikey percussion, echoing riffs, and a bottomless bassline make for a dark, menacing tech-house number. The vocals, virtually unedited from the original, are simply placed on-top of the hard production, and although it shouldn’t work, and in truth does sound off-kilter, somehow it manages to get away with it. And for those who might disagree with me in regards to the taped-on lyrics, a dub mix is also included.

‘Water Will Find A Way’ is not dissimilar to the band’s biggest hit to date, their 2008 hit ‘Full Moon’, which become hugely popular after being licenced in the Twilight films, perhaps explaining its release compared to some of the better tracks on the album. And whilst the remixes work well enough, and the diversity of sound ensures there’s something here for everyone, the EP is at moments too lacklustre compared to what we know all parties involved can achieve.


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