Ganglians / Still Living

Ganglians
Still Living
(Soutterain Transmissions)
* * *

Not a great deal has changed to Ganglians since they burst onto our radar in 2009 with a debut album of chamber pop, warm psychedelia and California surf rock vibes. 'Still Living' isn't an evolution of this sound; the mix is crisper and the harmonies are tighter, but it's a repeat of past successes nonetheless.

In this respect, the album can feel a tad dated, clutching onto the dreamy, new wave sound synonymous with Animal Collective, Grizzly Bear and Caribou - acts who, for the most part, have made some pretty dramatic departures since their original scenes drove them to glory.

'Still Living' is still a rousing sophomore release however, featuring cheerful bubblegum rock ('Drop The Act'), softer synth shoe gazing ('Sleep') and some darker fare with a steady Desert Sessions influence ('The Toad').

A general lack of pacing stops these triumphs from slotting together as one coherent whole - whether or not this is due to a flimsy selection of material or Ganglians’ lack of identity beyond the melancholic is not entirely clear – but ‘Still Living’ has an authentic throwback feel nonetheless, which gives it a centered, thumping beat – even if it has trouble locating its heart.