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GHOST CLUB Ghostclubbing (Flying Nun/Festival) Proving there is an after-life for lost Dunedin musicians, Ghost Club is London-based former 3Ds bandmates David Mitchell and Denise Roughan, joined by fellow ex-pat Jim Abbott. The 3Ds' signature sound, led by Mitchell's frenetic guitar-style and adenoidal vocals, haunts this 11-track Flying Nun release, particularly on the three opening songs before exploring the more spooky sounds wrestled from the guitar. Recorded over two days purportedly in a railway arch in London (!), I feel an instant familiarity with this album, being a 3Ds fan, and am continually blown away by the sounds Mitchell creates. Drums, primarily provided by Roughan, help drive the songs, as does Abbott's subtle bass but the melodies and vocals are the strongest spectres and are never muddy. There is a sense of improvisation and experimentation on some tracks, the closer being a nine-minute improv recorded in the band's rehearsal room. Unlike some projects, the results are still infinitely pallatable, although sometimes the guitar whine sends shivers down your spine, but with a name like Ghost Club I guess that's the point. A fitting epitaph to one of the greatest Flying Nun bands ever and an exciting indication of creative ventures to come from these accomplished and inspired musicians. 
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