Observer drift - corridors

Observer Drift

Corridors
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

 After his former band called it a day, Collin spent about 8 months writing and home-recording his debut album  “Corridors”, a collection of 13 songs with the 80s flavored feel of bands such as The Smiths or The Cure, combined with the roomy, melancholic melodies of post-rock, the blurry aesthetics of shoegaze, all with a really fitting lo-fi approach to it. Collin Ward aka Observer Drift latest effort is according to him is “an ode to my childhood and several dreams I have had. The lyrics revolve around innocence and simplicity and some heartache.” It’s a good description because the songs instrumentation is light and floating a lot of the time (lead guitars with long reverbs and rhythm guitars that seem to be completely clean). Even the words themselves seem to be floating along effortlessly. You could describe the music as “dreampop” but there are other elements that surface and peak through at different times.

A fantastic slower number entitled “Backwards” contains a simple drumbeat, airy synths and reverb-drenched guitars while Ward’s vocals are heard on top. It fits together quite beautifully. Other songs like “Her Lullaby” easily could draw influences from a band like “New Order.” It’s a simple dance number where Ward sings “don’t forget to breathe” over a 4/4 drum beat. “Her Lullaby” is followed by a song entitled “Tree Shadow” which has a delicately picked guitar melody that kept my attention the whole time. Ward recorded this album in his house over an eight month period and at times I see this being the only real detriment to the album. The songs are fantastic but the only thing really holding it back is the bedroomesque feel. In the hands of a great producer/engineer this album would be even better than it is.  

Observer Drift came out with a delicate, simple yet sophisticated debut album that embraces the spirit of American alternative rock of the 90s and the british pop wit of the 80s, a really interesting mix of influences for an exciting new artist to watch out.

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