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SURREALISTIC: Thoughtghost

Surrealistic is the solo project of yet another multi-instrumentalist (mellotron enthusiast) and Grey Lynn resident, Ben Furniss. What is it with these people? Did a recent earthquake scare our musicians into a culturally hermetic state, too scared to leave their man-spaces and make bandmates? To be fair, Furniss has done his time with bands including Broken Heartbreakers, the super-neat White Swan Black Swan and indie hipsters Superturtle. ‘Thoughtghost’ is his second project, a mature, well-developed portfolio of ear-friendly, but personal pop. There’s a smattering of the ‘now sounds’ (a la Close Readers/Bannerman/Avalanche City) along with a dusting of his publicised influences – Sparklehorse, Doves, Nick Drake and Air. Demanding re-play is the slick’n’sticky The Ocean Floor, while Tell Me When It’s Over hints at the retro class of Goldenhorse. Recursion Of The Mind wanders dangerously off into early ’60s psychedelica, where it seems Mike Batt and Jeff Wayne are being held hostage and writing to pay off their ransom (Ondes In Tullamarine Parts 1&2). Finally, the audio-geek noodlings that enhance the title track park the mother ship back in the driveway.

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