The Red Channels Will Scare You

The Red Channels album, Ghetto Cookingis the closest thing to a Cranes album without actually being a Cranes album that I've heard in nearly a decade. Far from being remotely tied to anything ghetto, this record is far more in touch with it's inner goth than it's inner city. Partially ambient and partially experimental, Ghetto Cookingis a haunting record that you just wouldn't want to listen to in a dark room by yourself. Creepy and atmospheric, vocalist Elaina Azari sounds like a ghost wandering between songs searching for a place to rest eternally. This is dark music, pure and simple and it might just freak you out if you're not careful.

With so many eerie sounds and chilling voices, The Red Channels somehow manage to keep you transfixed and unable to move, perhaps through possession or perhaps through good songs. Who knows? That beings said, the droning sounds and ethereal effects that make up this album are mesmerizing and will play tricks on your hearing and your mind. That is of course, half the fun of listening to this record...you don't know what's around the corner and that's exciting. It's experimental nature moves things along in a quiet unearthly manner that will have your calling Ghost Hunters or an exorcist. A pop album this is not, but a celestial frightful experience it is and it's awesome.

While Halloween has come and gone this is the perfect soundtrack for next years holiday. The Red Channels make music to scare with and even when they lapse into some sort of strange pop-like structure as they do on, "Elated," you can't help but think of things like the Haunted Mansion. Being in touch with your inner goth or inner ghost has never been so much fun.