Dark Days + Canapés is Ghostpoet's most defining album to date. It proves a record that captures the sense of unease felt by so many in recent times. After receiving recognition for the beat-driven arrangements of his first two albums, third album Shedding Skin initiated a more alt-rock sound that saw Ghostpoet Mercury nominated for a second time. New album Dark Days & Canapés is produced by Leo Abrahams, best known for his work with Brian Eno and Jon Hopkins, and delves even further into a more full, guitar-driven sound...

Don't expect to pick this up and enjoy it right away. This needs uncorking and left to breathe for a while. In fact, it took me an entire week of almost constant playing before I felt confident enough to give this the review it deserves.

There's a slow build to the album, which hits a peak in the middle with tracks 'We're Dominoes'; 'Freakshow'; and 'Live_Leave'. The album contains 12 songs (43 min, 16 sec). It's a thoroughly enjoyable listen and is certainly an album you'll get months of pleasure out of... just don't expect to full appreciate its mainly layers on the first play through.

8

Nick Smithson