Its not often at MOSH that we divulge into the realm of electronica – but sometimes exceptions have to be made. After the release of Fightstar’s Be Human (2009), guitarist/vocalist Alex Westaway and bassist Dan Haigh formed a side project called Gunship alongside other collaborators.
Their mission? To create a nostalgic 8-bit love letter to the 1980s – complete with a Mega Drive look and a sound hitting home to the neon laden territory of EDM. If you thought retro gaming was a thing, wait till you discover retro music. Gunship is a throwback with a difference.
Opening track ‘The Mountain’ is a time-capsule of synth, dripping in effervescent vocals that would suit an old school drive-in theatre. Floating in a sea of arpeggios, the track’s soul is a snapshot of the changing culture of the 80s – music swiftly moving into sub-genres with controversial outfits and hair in toe.
As you continue to shake the dust off the VHS tapes, the album continues to thrive at taking a modern spin on an era that changed the world. Lead single ‘Fly For Your Life’ takes on a techno vibe that darkens the mood, but still captures the overall cinematic feel of the album. Just wait till the vocals take on a Kylie Minogue persona, and you’ll be in raptures.
Other stand outs include ‘Tech Noir’ and its remix partner. The synthesising in the two are overpowering, but in a way that its a necessity. Whilst it can be argued that its use blurs the lines between tracks, it is symbolises the iconic sound Gunship are trying to re-create. Just listen to ‘Shadow Fury’ for a more bass thirsty number if the sound begins to become a tad samey.
Ultimately, there is so much to admire here. It takes guts to create a concept album, and do it well. Whilst it is a series track that relies on a listeners love of retro, it’ll provide nostalgia that is hard not to love instantly.
The next time you think bands are doing nothing during a hiatus, think again.
