If nothing else, Gold Key are going to surprise a lot of people. Considering the press release for the album contains the words ‘featuring members of Gallows and Sikth’, you’d be forgiven for expecting something angry and chaotic. Whilst some may find it disappointing that ‘Hello, Phantom’ is neither of those things, those with more eclectic tastes will find plenty to enjoy across these twelve diverse tracks.
Opener ‘Creep In Slowly’ is true to its name as a filthy bass line leads into a sinister synth arrangement before Steve Sears’ haunting falsetto floats in. There’s an obvious Muse influence in this track, but it doesn’t feel like Gold Key are aping anyone. Instead they waste no time forging a sound that’s very much their own. It’s also clear right from the outset that this is an extremely professionally made record, and the wealth of experience within the band is shamelessly on show.
The individual members of Gold Key come from all sorts of musical backgrounds, and the vast array of influences they carry between them can be felt throughout the album. One of the highlights is undoubtedly ‘The Shape’, which builds rich sonic textures to breaking point, creating a shimmering Deftones-esque soundscape. It’s heavy, but never aggressive, instead relying on well-executed layering to carry its impact.
The album also doesn’t shy away from its poppier side, with tracks like ‘Juvenoia’ and ‘Kerosene’ offering infectious melodies and solid choruses. James Leach forgoes the technical bass mastery we’ve come to associate him with in favour of firm, rhythmic patterns that are particularly effective in keeping the momentum going on these more dance-worthy numbers.
In truth, this review only really scratches the surface of this extremely intricate album. Every track showcases several styles, and for a band to take such a mishmash of influences and still sound this fully-formed on their debut album is nothing short of remarkable. Obviously their collective experience has helped give them bypass the “what do we even want to sound like” stage of being a band, but that shouldn’t detract from what they’ve achieved. ‘Hello, Phantom’ is sure to be on several ‘Best of 2017’ lists, but let’s hope it isn’t a one off. Gold Key have created something special here; it would be a crime for them to be relegated to the status of ‘side-project’.
LIAM KNOWLES