One thing I look forward to more than anything is a new release from Spirit Goth Records. There’s only one thing that’s more exciting and that’s when Spirit Goth drop a new CASTLEBEAT album. Guess what!!!?? Spirit Goth have just dropped a new CASTLEBEAT album! Right, for those wondering what I’m talking about, let me fill you in.
CASTLEBEAT is the lo-fi project of first gen Spanish-Korean-American Josh Hwang, also founder of the record label Spirit Goth. He has a unique DIY, lo-fi approach to recording. His self-titled debut was recorded at home in his garage yet sounds yet has the production values of any high-end studio recording. That first album is still a regular on my turntable. There is not one bad track on it. Then came the follow up VHS in 2018. Josh himself considers this a direct continuation of his debut. For me it is a shade darker and denser in production but just as engaging and enjoyable. These were followed by Melodrama in 2020 and Half Life in 2022 bringing us up to date.
I had the honour of interviewing Josh last year and asked him how he defined the CASTLEBEAT sound.
“I think my sound is defined by home recording/production & not really knowing what I’m doing. The end results of all of my albums so far have been like a home-made pie. Maybe a little rough here and there but at least you know that it’s all coming from one person. I don’t think a polished studio sound would suit my music style – I like to blur things with reverb & FX which I’ve found allow me to get away with some more poppy melodic ideas.”
Now he’s back with Stereo. With a vinyl release imminent there’s no better time to get acquainted with these new songs.
The album opens on a smooth fade in to ‘Wish’. A classic bit smooth dream pop. The addition of sleigh bells giving it a festive feel. It slowly builds around a pulsing bassline and crystalline synths becoming totally infectious. Despite those sleigh bells this is great summer music.
We take the pace down a step next with ‘Moonlight’. Despite the undoubted romantic flavour of the melody and song title this is a little darker. “We’re under the moonlight. But it’s not quite right” sings Hwang. This is more a relationship ending in the most romantic way possible. This harks back to ‘Summertime’ on Melodrama. That contrast of melody and lyrics.
‘Tom’s Place’ follows. This is more expansive in productions. The synths in particular dominate the sound stage filling every corner. Despite the songs shorter run time it still warrants an epic description. This is the sound of a someone who is the master of his recording technique really shining.
The tonal fade in to ‘Birthday’ is really effective. The instrumentation really sparse leaving loads of room for small guitar and keyboard motifs or stings to pepper the way. Theres a celebratory feel to the track that compliments the title choice. Just check out his drum and rhythm choices in particular.
‘Old Flame’ appears to be about meeting someone you used to be in a relationship with and realising how lucky you are to have what you have now. The tone is really moody and introspective. A slick and funky bassline immediately catches your ear as something different and new. The eighties style keytar solo adds to that feeling. I’m liking this sound.
The self-exploration continues on ‘Honest’. Theres the coolest guitar lick trading with a synth riff throughout this one that’s just class. Guitar really comes to the fore for the first time on this album and its nice change of texture and flavour.
‘Potion’ is a very measured and restrained ballad. The slowest track yet it takes its time to introduce all its melody, bringing it in piece by piece. Never over loading the listener it’s a really soothing listen and has all that CASTLEBEAT magic.
We are reminded on ‘Anyone’ that Hwang is just as good at drum programming as he is on guitar and synths. This beat is amazing and really makes you sit up and take notice. It’s quite a cinematic song, playing out a movie chase scene in my mind.
‘Over’ continues that new approach to drum programming over this luscious guitar motif. It’s a fluid melody sliding note to note that is mirrored later in the vocal melody. This song feels so fresh. Five albums in and Hwang is still able to take that CASTLEBEAT sound and surprise us.
It’s the turn of the vocals to get a new treatment next on ‘Too Late’. Theres a watery effect over the top adding a lovely texture. Then when that chorus arrives a complimentary harmony-vocal kicks in, much higher than usual. It really makes you sit up and pay attention. All over a hip hop beat that would sit well on a De La Soul track.
‘Stumble’ really lifts the guitar out of the effects loop and presents it au naturel. It’s quite unusual to hear this warm jazzy chord sequence amongst the usual CASTLEBEAT glacial tones. Hwang totally makes it work, especially in the latter stages of the song. The reverb drenched vocals and icicle like synth pads work so well against those soothing strums.
‘Something Else’ takes us right back to that classic CASTLEBEAT sound and I’m in heaven. When Hwang hits the right bpm and gets the bass pulsing its like magic to my ears. Like the best of his songs, it transports us away. It’s the sound of a neon-soaked nightscape and we’re out walking trying to find ourselves in the city.
The album concludes with the title track. It’s a song of contradictions. If you only listened to the bass and drums you be grooving on the dancefloor of some eighty’s nightclub. The laid-back vocals and soothing synths almost sound balladlike and do you know what, it totally works. In fact, this might be my favourite moment on the album.
Stereo is yet another album that I’m going to play until I wear the grooves out. It’s classic CASTLEBEAT in places sure, but in amongst there Hwang is still exploring, still pushing to see where he can take the sounds within that world. For a diehard fan like me that’s all I can ask of him.
Stereo is out now on Spirit Goth Records. You can stream and download the album now over on the CASTLEBEAT Bandcamp page. Physical media will be coming soon on cassette, CD and vinyl so make sure you give them a follow on their social media pages so you don’t miss out.
You can follow CASTLEBEAT on social media here…
Discover more from Static Sounds Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Static Sounds Club 