I have always been a big fan of the duo Electric President, and last week, Ben Cooper released an exciting album under his side project name Radical Face. The album is entitled Ghost, and succeeds in offering catchy pop songs interwoven with what would otherwise be considered folk melodies. The wide range of sounds often takes place in the same song, sometimes with songs going from almost complete silence to seconds later, upbeat pop. There is a focus on real instruments on this album (including unique ones such as the accordion, banjo, and of course, hand clapping), more so than on The Electric President’s 2006 self-titled album, which was much more computer oriented. Even though this album does vary in that sense, Cooper’s subtle vocals and melancholic melodies still give the album an overall similar feel.

The Electric President’s Self-Titled album had a theme revolving around the future, which could be heard in songs such as Grand Machine No.14. This album’s premise is that house’s absorb the memories and events of those living in them. To better understand, this was taken from the press release.

“What if houses had memories? What if, when we lived in them, our stories bled into the walls and became a part of the house? What if our ghosts were always going to haunt the places we’ve lived, along with everyone else who’s lived there? So some songs are from the point of view people still living their lives in one of these houses; some are from the point of view of those dead and gone, watching over the living or haunting them; some are from people visiting home, after being away for along time, and the familiar ghosts of childhood all coming back to remind you of the way things used to be.”

I don’t know about you, but that concept really intrigues me. Ben Cooper is 24 years old, and resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He recorded this album in his studio, playing most, if not all of the instruments. Be sure to check out more of his music, and also that of Electric President.

Ghosts:

Radical Face- Welcome Home, Son

Radical Face – Wrapped in Piano Strings

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Bonus: Electric President – S/T

Electric President- Grand Machine No. 14

Electric President – Good Morning, Hypocrite