On Dancing With A Ghost, the debut LP from Seattle, WA’s Lovely Colours, thick guitars, anthemic vocals, and bracing indie-pop are meticulously interlocked into an undeniable, arena-ready whole. Together, Devin Damitio (vocals), James Rosales (bass), Patrick May (guitar), and Steven Bingham (drums) have followed the muse to the altar of the almighty hook. Add pristine production, rock and roll swagger, pop melody, and shout-along choruses and you have a record that manages to be both timeless and very much of the moment. Sure, Dancing With A Ghost is perfectly executed and immaculately arranged. Most importantly, though, it’s just… so damn catchy!
From Juneau, Alaska, Damitio and Rosales bonded in their teens over a shared love of punk rock. Soon they headed south to the bastion of heavy music on the west coast, Seattle, WA. Many bands and songs later, they found themselves grown up and wanting something new.
Now joined by May and Bingham, Lovely Colours has an unmistakable, dynamic sound. Drawing from influences ranging from Brit Pop to Alt Rock to Dance-Pop, Damitio’s sensual vocals and the band's lock-tight synchronization are astonishing considering their musicians' youth.
Dancing With A Ghost was written in and around Seattle and recorded at various home studios around the area (which in itself is fairly remarkable when the sonics are taken into consideration.) Drums were engineered by Cole Paramore, the album was mixed by James Rosales, and mastered by Rachel Field at Resonant Mastering.
Thematically, the record paints broad tales of learning to come with anxiety, leaning into the inevitable changes in life, and seeking human connection in an ever-more digital world. Contrasted with the energetic, dynamic music in which the musings are wrapped, and you have a record that leaves you breathless on the first listen. Just make sure you turn it up loud…