[New Music] Matthew Dear - Headcage EP

January 17, 2012

Matthew Dear’s EP, Headcage, stands as a testament to the New Yorker’s work as a relentless songwriter, producer and in a new light, collaborator. Working with other producers and vocalists as well as mixing/tracking at Nicolas Vernhes’ famed Rare Book Room studio has lent Headcage an openness and poise to the four songs presented here.

Matthew Dear’s latest audio/video excursion for In The Middle [I Met You There] comes from London-based director Morgan Beringer, whose first abstraction was created with Headcage as the guide. The director gives us another heavily layered smear of what almost looks like thin sheets of ice changing color and patterns. The light continues to shine brighter than than Dear’s darker shades of 2010’s Black City.

[Listen and purchase at The Ghostly Store]

2011 In Review

January 13, 2012

As the new year begins, we reflect on the year that was. We felt it was best to share what our peers said about Ghostly and it’s roster. There were quite a few so we picked some of our favorites.

Impose said we were one of the best labels of the year while naming Tycho’s Dive and HTRK’s Work (work, work) best albums. Brainwashed’s readers poll gave nods to Pale Sketcher, HTRK, Jacaszek and the SMM: Context compilation. Boomkat guest year end charts were filled with HTRK love. NPR realized they missed out on Tycho’s Dive. Com Truise’s Galactic Melt appeared on Phantogram’s guest list on Pitchfork.

On the Spectral Sound side of things, SPIN thought Mark E’s Stone Breaker was a top 20 dance album. Resident Advisor named Subb-an and Seth Troxler some of the best DJ’s while Benoit & Sergio were given the best live act seal of approval.

Goodbye 2011. Hello 2012.