Album Review: Space Ghost - Aquarium Nightclub
Album Review: Space Ghost - Aquarium Nightclub
Brennan Ko
Nature inspired tropical boogie meets deep house in the latest album from the upstart Oakland producer
It’s been a few weeks since the release of the much anticipated sophomore album from Oakland based producer Space Ghost. Enough time to contemplate, digest, and ultimately critique. So, here is my take - plus a bonus interview with the artist.
Like many producers, Sudi Wachspress aka Space Ghost has a vision for his music. It just so happens that his sonic vision includes underwater dance parties in Atlantis and tropical tours narrated by David Attenborough. All joking aside, Wachspress drew inspiration for the album from watching nature documentaries. To that effect, Aquarium Nightclub sounds and (I imagine) looks like if Larry Heard’s “What About This Love” and the music video to Evelyn King’s “Love Come Down” had a baby. It’s an amazing marriage of boogie and house rhythms with lush chorus-laden synth chords that demonstrates Wachspress’ impressive ability to craft a cohesive listening experience.
If you are familiar with Space Ghost - maybe you’ve been to Open Soul the dance party put on by his Late Feelings DJ collective - you won’t be too surprised by that analysis. His eye for having everything in its right place is evident in his graphic design work, including the album cover and limited edition poster insert - both which he designed.
Aquarium Nightclub is Space Ghost’s second release on Tartelet Records following 2018’s Endless Light. The new album follows in the footsteps of that first release, but at the same time blazes new trails. When Endless Light was released I quickly became enthralled with it, so when I heard word of a new Space Ghost album my expectations were running high.
I was not disappointed.
The chorus rich sounds of analog synthesizers, like the Yahama DX7 and Juno 60, appear again as the backdrop to which shimmering keys and bouncing synth bass dance. It’s a welcome continuation of a signature sound that still feels fresh and interesting, even comforting. Unlike some artists who rely too heavily on popular sample packs or effects, the sounds on this album feel authentic and unique. Yes, there is obvious influence from 80’s electro and synth-funk, as well as 90’s house, but to say Aquarium Nightclub is a ‘copy & paste’ project would be the greatest of misinterpretations.
Space Ghost performing at Oakland’s Smartbomb party; photo by Tessa Shimizu
There is a definite attention to detail demonstrated throughout the album. The variation of percussion samples keeps the listening experience fresh, at times evoking memories of Project Pablo’s weirdly wonderful Vancouver flavor of house, while at other times sounding like a classic boogie ballad. The melodies and counter-melodies are more sophisticated than Endless Light. Seeing this kind of progression from one album to the next should be an exciting sign for Space Ghost fans.
The most captivating tracks on the album for me are “Sim City (ft. Morgan)” and “Mirage”. “Sim City (ft. Morgan)” does exactly what the title suggests - teleport you into a tropical virtual world to cruise 8-bit streets with the track on repeat. “Mirage” slows the tempo down and unleashes some of the albums most interesting synthesized sounds, including my favorite melody on the whole album.
If you are looking for tracks that can fit on the dance floor, both “Emerald Pools” and “Lavender Oil” carry the most four on the floor influence. Boogie lovers will enjoy “Sea Snake Island” and “Lavender Flower” for their strong downbeats and funk inspired bass lines.
What ever your preferred flavor, I recommend listening to this album front to back. Unlike some dance music albums the songs are mostly under four-minutes and don’t play out their charm with extended mixing breaks. In addition, the short interludes throughout the album create a seamless listening experience that fills a niche between chill kickback and late night after party.
Aquarium Nightclub is one of the more interesting dance LP’s to be released in 2019, namely because it would be a unique and flexible slot in any house, boogie, or disco leaning DJ’s record bag. The album has clear dance floor singles, but also hidden gems that start slow and then morph into catchy toe tappers. From an audiophile perspective this album has got the goods - with a cacophony of sounds that evolve throughout each track, there are always new and and unexpected layers to discover. I would rate this album as highly recommended to all.
But this is just my interpretation of Aquarium Nightclub. To get his perspective we had to talk to Space Ghost himself!
Interview
What were some of the main synths and sounds used to make the album?
SG: Hmm, let’s see. I probably used the Roland Juno-60, Roland JX-8P, and the Yamaha DX-7 the most on this LP, but there are a few other things sprinkled around. I don’t own any drum machines, but I have plenty of drum machine samples on my hard drive. I can’t quite remember all the drum machines used off hand, but I definitely used Linn Drum samples on a fair amount of songs. There are some nature sounds samples on most of the tracks as well, just for some texture.
Did you feel pressure to make this a sequel to Endless Light or do you see it as the realization of a separate idea?
SG: I felt a bit of pressure to follow up Endless Light quickly without losing momentum. It felt like people were paying attention and I didn’t want to drop the ball. It was difficult to develop my style without making the same album again, so I definitely wasn’t aiming for a sequel. My goal with Aquarium Nightclub was to keep moving forward with new ideas and inspirations.
Space Ghost performing at Oakland’s Smartbomb party; photo by Tessa Shimizu
What makes you gravitate towards the album format versus releasing EP’s?
SG: I think I gravitate towards releasing albums maybe because I collect and listen to records. I enjoy creating a journey for the listener, they get a complete thought out package. That said though, I also enjoy EP’s with great singles and lately I'm interested in trying my hand at creating a few 12” single dance tracks. I’ll see how it goes!
Are you worried at all of being placed in a genre niche or known as the guy who likes the chorus effect? Do you think maintaining a “signature sound” and consistency is important to developing as an artist?
SG: I’m not worried about being put into any category. I’m just doing my thing and creating whatever sounds interesting to me. People are always going to hear what they want, but if they’re keen, they will understand what I’m trying to put out there. I think it’s very cool when artists have their own sound and operate around that. For me, I’m just gonna continue creating music that inspires me. Consistency is probably helpful, but who knows. I think I would be able to tell if my style has become bland or irrelevant, but personally I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface.
What do you want to come out of this album? Tour, more albums, or something else?
SG: I think I’m just interested in being apart of the music culture I love. Listening to music and genres I enjoy and attempting to create something that would excite the community of people who follow the same interests. I also hope that I can further my music career and get more opportunities to DJ around the globe. I’d even look forward to produce some music for more popular artists and one day make a living our of my music. But everything aside, it just feels good to create a project and share it.
Full Tracklist:
1. Sea Snake Island 03:44
2. Temple Dancer 04:17
3. Sim City (ft. Morgan) 03:44
4. Twilight Swim 02:31
5. Lavender Oil 04:02
6. Ocean Odyssey 02:42
7. Night Dive 01:45
8. Emerald Pools 03:05
9. Mirage 04:41
10. Lavender Flower 03:20
11. Strange Sequence (ft. Morgan) 06:13
12. Aquarium Nightclub 03:10
13. Peace Waves 01:48
14. Blue Lotus (digital only) 05:24
Words by Brennan Ko
Photography by Tessa Shimizu