Galapaghost

Galapaghost proves to be an intriguing project from the very beginning. Combining a stunning brand of Americana, Folk, with dashes of Experimental and Alternative, we see Galapaghost creating a name for himself on his own terms.

Spearheaded by frontman Casey Chandler, he takes along part time member Federico Puttilli for a ride, as they create a record that impresses from every angle. Though located in Austin, Texas, Galapaghost went abroad to create the new record, I Never Arrived, as it was written in Brussels and recorded in Italy last year.

For those who enjoy artists such as Iron & Wine and Midlake, Galapaghost is right up your alley. Kicking off the record experience, Galapaghost is currently sharing the noteworthy video for "Science Of Lovers" which is a perfect introduction to the brilliant musical journey. The third record for Casey Chandler, this is perhaps his most ambitious work to date, as you can literally feel over note resonate within your ears. His voice is a dose of heaven as it intertwine throughout the record, with a gently and peace tone in tow.

Galapaghost's I Never Arrived is a must have for 2016, and we can't wait to hear more! - Paste Magazine

Casey Chandler is the man with the vision behind Galapaghost, a name that is as interesting as the music itself. The leader of the artistic endeavor, Chandler teamed up with musician and mixer/engineer Frederico Putilli, to bring a blissful Americana-Folk record to the table.

Throughout the entirety of the record, we see Chandler prove himself not only as a performer, but a songwriter as well. As his vocals carry throughout the record, his unique style recalls artists such as Jeff Buckley and Iron & Wine.

Galapaghost’s new album is titled I Never Arrived, which offers up an ideal glimpse into Chandler’s musical brainstorm. The soft and elegant tones weave throughout the record, and even shares some guitar-focused piece such as “Mazes in the Sky,” which caught my attention immediately. Key single “Science of Lovers,” draws you further in as you get a true sense of Galapaghost’s eclectic sound.

The moving sounds are placed throughout the record with a dash of intricacy and intimacy, building an album that will stand the test of time. - No Depression

Galapaghost is the brainchild of Casey Chandler, an Austin-based musician that hails originally from the hippy climes of Woodstock, New York. His latest album, I Never Arrived, though, was written in Brussels and recorded in Torino, Italy. Created alongside part-time bandmate, Federico Puttilli, Galapaghost’s latest effort is a nice, folk-driven amalgam of all of those geographical and cultural roots.

I Never Arrived, which did actually arrive and did so at the beginning of 2016, is Chandler’s third record. It opens with the patient, guitar-driven tune, “Mazes in the Sky,” one of only two songs on the album that wasn’t written solely by Chandler (it, as well as “Bloom,” the LP’s tenth track, was co-written with Puttilli). It’s indicative of the duo’s Iron & Wine-like tenderness that can be found throughout the record.

I Never Arrived also has a haunting resonance a la folk rock bands like Midlake and Shearwater, as can be heard on the record’s second song,
“Science of Lovers”—check out its accompanying video above—and later in the piano enriched, electronica-inflected title track.

There's a cinematic depth to the Galapaghost sound, and indeed, Chandler's music was recently featured in a major Italian film called Il Ragazzo Invisibile, which speaks to the musician's global appeal. I Never Arrived has the romantic undertones of an Italian plaza. The sun-drenched laze of a Woodstock lawn. The Americana sanctity of a blue Texas sky. And the brick-built sturdiness and enduring construction of a timeworn Belgian castle. Check it out right here. - AXS.com

Hailing from Woodstock, New York, Galapaghost grew up in a place that played a nice role in psychedelic folk music, so it’s apt that the project’s folky stylistic direction is both psychedelic and hauntingly nostalgic. The project is now based in Austin, Texas — whose rich music scene seems like a good fit as well for this — and is building up recognition with efforts like “I Never Arrived”, where dreamy acoustics and a twinkling sporadic key works with breath-y vocals for something serene and melodically hypnotic. Plus, the act is already receiving some cinematic attention; via Galapaghost: “My music was recently featured in a major Italian film called ‘Il Ragazzo Invisibile’. It was directed by Oscar winning director Gabriele Salvatores. Salvatores also commissioned me to write a title song for the movie, which was featured on the official soundtrack. The movie has already been released in many countries and has won a David Di Donatello award (the Italian Oscars).” - Obscure Sound

The roots of Galapaghost (and therefore Casey Chandler) travel from Woodstock, New York to Italy to Brussels, Belgium and back to Austin, Texas. The wordly group creates sounds of folk, mixed with ambient alternative, and add a hint of experimental Americana to the mix. Listen, for example, to the complex guitar harmonies in “Mazes in the Sky” or “Vitamin D”, and contrast that against the lyrical focus of “Salt Lake City” and the ironically titled (and cleverly written) “The Greatest Roommate”. The diversity is true.

On I Never Arrived there is darkness (album highlight “Science of Lovers”, of which you can watch the video here, is an example) and there is light, as found in the shift on title track “I Never Arrived” which blends melancholy into something sweet through instrumental transition. There is a certain dreaminess in the harmonies and outro of “Somewhere”, but a concreteness to the honesty in “Bloom” which was co-written by Federico Puttilli.

Despite the title, I Never Arrived does arrive at a conclusion that embraces both love and death. The short and sweet “Our Place” grows in scope throughout the song, a songwriting choice that Galapaghost has proven to be a strength.

To hear more from Galapaghost, check out their website, Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud pages. - New Sick Music

Galapaghost is the solo project of Austin singer/songwriter Casey Chandler, a musician who has toured with the like of John Grant. His newest album, I Never Arrived, is truly a global effort, having been written in Brussels and recorded in Italy. Consequently, the album has a touch of each location—the uncertainty and melancholy of the former drenched in the lyrics, and the heartfelt, breezy nature of the latter reflected in the production itself.

There’s a beautiful wistful, ephemeral quality to songs like the dreamy opener “Mazes in the Sky” or the finger-picking and slide guitar of “Vitamin D.” A strong shoegaze influence affects these recordings indirectly, but comes to the fore most obviously on lushly produced songs such as “Science of Lover” and the title track which sounds like Leonard Cohen discovering a dance club for the first time.

Because of the slower nature of much of the record, it can be a work that takes some getting acquainted with, yet it offers up more and more hidden gems with each repeated listen. I Never Arrived is a misleading title, because if anything it finds Chandler truly coming into his own on what is undoubtedly his finest and most mature work yet. - The Big Takeover

The music artist known as Galapaghost released the album "I Never Arrived" and it's the album that is currently missing from you life.

The members include Casey Chandler and part time member Federico Puttilli, who are based out of Austin, TX.

Science of Lovers is the most played song on the Soundcloud page and for good reason. It is slow and melodic, with emotional lyrics written by Chandler himself.

Science of Lovers video is only released on Youtube. I'm not sure I quite get it, but it's still worth giving it a shot. Plus he does fun little feet dances. That's cool right?

This is the kind of indie music that comprises the soundtrack of your life. Slow and steady music with honest and beautiful lyrics.

The style of the album incorporates folk and alternative vibes in a sweet and melodious way. Definitely comparable to Iron & Wine and maybe some subtle Bob Dylan realness mixed in there.

This isn't music you dance to while drinking tequila, this is music you think to, while drinking that red wine you've been saving.

I imagine this is the kind of musical act that sounds amazing live. I dig everything little thing about this album.

Don't trust my opinion, check it out for yourself, it's free to stream: - Puckermob

If you’re looking for new music similar to The Slang or a contemporary Simon and Garfunkel, then the newest album, I Never Arrived, from Austin based band Galapaghost, will certainly satisfy your craving.

Galapaghost consists of singer/songwriter Casey Chandler, who hails from a small town in New York but has spent the last few years recording music and touring throughout Europe. It was in Italy where he met the honorary member of Galapaghost, Federico Puttilli, who he often collaborates with. I Never Arrived is the third album from Galapaghost, self-released in the beginning of this year. The album is a fusion of folk, alternative indie and experimental sounds, all held together through Casey’s calming vocals. Most of the songs on the album are quiet, slow and filled with layers eerie voices, making the name Galapaghost seem appropriate.

The first song off of the album titled “Mazes in the Sky,” feels very calming to me. I picture listening to it in a cafe or while taking a quiet stroll along the Austin greenbelt. The guitar is quiet yet powerful, and the layered voices add a dimension which is often achieved through many more instruments. The title track “I Never Arrived” is more experimental when compared to other songs off of the album. Galapaghost incorporates synth and electronic sounds to differentiate it. It almost sets the song up to be remixed, as it pushes it somewhat in to the electronic genre without letting go of the indie-rock roots. The song “Science of Lovers,” which follows the same dark, eerie tone of the rest of the album is accompanied by a somewhat incompatible music video. Casey shows off his dance moves while staring off into the distance on top of a building. That premise already seems contradicting, and is more so because the dancing seems like it belongs to a song with a much faster beat. Even so, the video was entertaining.

Galapaghost is currently writing songs and playing shows in Austin, TX. If you would like to find out more about his album and upcoming events, visit his website here. - Almost Real Things

A soft drone synth and picked guitar inform a sweet, sad atmosphere on Galapaghost’s opener “Mazes in the Sky” from their latest I Never Arrived. “Salt Lake City” is another plinking, plucked acoustic number featuring Casey Chandler on vocals. I like how this one slowly builds, keys sneaking in underneath with a spacey guitar. It’s a sweet lament about the narrator aching to be loved. I love the down-step progression of “Science of Lovers” with its dripping piano, expert harmonies, and vocal layering; this is spectacular stuff here. The running riff of “The Secrets Our Body Keeps” and again the spot-on harmonies and the guitar layering with Alessio Sanfilippo’s drumming bubbling up drives this rockier end of the 12 songs here. “The Greatest Roommate” is just a freaking hoot with it’s great, wry lyrics. It’s for any one of us who has ever lived with anyone… and has gotten sick of them! Piano and guitar fit lock-and-key on the ballad “Goodbye (My Visa Arrived).” Again, here is a lyric you don’t expect, softly sung. There’s a certain vibe to this record I really like. It opens slowly in your brain, but it is layered with great instrumental moments, wonderful harmony vocals, and certainly solid lyrics that are really about something. Chandler is on acoustic guitar, singing, playing piano, bass, synths, and figuring in drum programming while part-time band member Federico Puttilli adds electric and acoustic guitars, ukulele, and egg shaker, and Sanfilippo is on drums. Galapaghost really delivers here. - Short and Sweet LA

New York’s Casey Chandler has been releasing music under the title of Galapaghost for quite a few years, but his newest release is remarkably unique; written in Brussels and recorded in Torino, Italy, I Never Arrived has a distinct foreign flavor mixed with traditional folk/americana. If you listened to his previous releases you may have been disappointed to hear that, while they were of good sound quality and excellent production, many of the songs didn’t have much lasting appeal – Hey, it’s something that all songwriters have to deal with. Luckily, this latest release shows that Galapaghost is able to learn and grow.

Opening with a strong acoustic riff, first track “Mazes in the Sky” instantly puts the listener in an almost trance-like state of relaxation. Featuring gorgeous harmonies and a beautiful chorus, this starter sets the mood for the rest of the album very early on. Other notable tracks include “Science of Lovers” and “The Secrets Our Body Keeps”, the latter being a very up-tempo, drum driven departure from the other works. And special note to “The Greatest Roommate”, which, coincidentally, outlines a terrible roommate. It’s a serious gem.

Galapaghost‘s third and latest release, I Never Arrived, is far and away the best of the trio – It is truly a sign of growth from a previously fledgling artist. A yearning for greatness, a lack of self-confidence, a longing for companionship; simple ideas are thoroughly examined, interpreted, and explained within this 45 minute LP. The soft vocals, steadfast guitar melodies, and true-to-reality lyrical content fills a void. It is a light in the dark. Or simply a comfort on a sad, dreary day.

So again, bring on the rainy season, I’ve got Galapaghost to help me through. A light in the dark. Or simply a comfort on a sad, dreary day. - Nightmair Creative

Galapaghost is the project of the Woodstock-born singer-songwriter Casey Chandler. I Never Arrived is his third album record album recorded in Italy with Federico Puttilli (Electric guitars, ukulele, egg shaker) and Alessio Sanfilippo (Drums). All the tracks show his wonderful voice interpretation and the different styles thanks to wich he can creates an intimate mood. Full album streaming is available below. - Son Of Marketing Unknown Music Pleasures

I don’t know what it is about recording Americana in Europe but somehow it leads to the best guitar picking being recorded right now. Whether it is the awe inspiring Tallest Man on Earth in Sweden or Galapaghost an American singer songwriter by the name of Casey Chandler who recorded his album I Never Arrived in Torino, Italy with the help of Federico Puttilli. Galapaghost is currently based in Austin, Texas but this album was written in Brussels, I who knows what their putting in the water across the pond but it certainly has led to some serious guitar picking. Galapaghost toured with John Grant for six months supporting his breakout album Queen of Denmark, which won album of the year in Mojo Magazine. After releasing his first album Runnin’ in 2012 through an Italian record label Lady Lovely Label Galapaghost had an exceedingly successful tour in Italy. He was commissioned to write the title song for a movie directed by Oscar winner Gabriele Salvatores. His second album Dandelion was recorded in Italy and released in October 2013. His influences, as you can hear in all of his albums are Simon and Garfunkel, Midlake, and Low Roar to Espers.

I Never Arrived was released in January of this year. Casey wrote all of the songs except for “Mazes in the Sky” which were written by both Casey and Federico. Casey is on acoustic guitar, vocals, piano, bass, synths, drum programming and the typewriter. Federico manned the electric guitar, acoustic on “Mazes in the Sky” and “Bloom”, the ukulele and egg shaker and Alessio Sanfilippo is on drum kit. The first track, “Mazes in the Sky” brings you back to earlier Iron & Wine like guitar and vocals. Even the lyrics make you think it could have been written by Sam Beam. Although the dual vocals set it apart and it sets up the themes and somber optimism of the album. “Science of Lovers” is the next song the lyrics are preceded by a melodic contemplative typewriter in the background behind the guitars. “Every mystery has a history of exposing itself” is a telling lyric of the album’s general direction. The contemplative nature of the album and this song specifically is beautifully accompanied and enforced by the piano. It explores the beauty of that lies within anxiety and self-examination which comes with love and those who seek it. Asking the question of whether or not it is better to live in solitary ignorance where one does not have to come to terms with themselves as other people see them. The hole that opens up when a relationship starts or ends.

The third track “Salt Lake City” has a solid drum enforcing a subtle but stomp like backbeat. This song is more aggressive in its questioning and picks up with the drums and electric guitar, more of a plea than the previous songs, with striking harmony. In “Mister Mediocrity” Casey shows his talent for the synthesizer for this fast paced track. The fifth track and namesake of the album really invokes his inner Simon and Garfunkel, with both the acoustic guitar and evocatively sweet lyrics. The album takes on a lighter tone with the seventh track “the Greatest Roommate” kicking off with the lyric “Well I can’t keep pretending that I give a shit about the moral obligation that I’m living with to tell you look very thin when all I see is really flabby skin”. And it keeps getting better, “I walk past your room and it smells like a dead dog getting really high”. It does not end there and with the lyrics juxtaposed with his sweet melodic voice and guitar. You will have to listen to get the full affect the entire album is a fantastic trip from melancholia to fantastic comic relief. “The Greatest Roommate” and “Bloom” the tenth track are my two favorite songs on the album. The finger picking on “Bloom” is fantastic. The final song “Our Place” takes us back to the beginning tone of the album with a forlorn yet somehow hopeful ukulele. This album is a fantastic listen all the way through. I haven’t been as excited about an artist since I first listened to tallest Man on Earth. Go listen to I Never Arrived on Spotify, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp, with all those platforms you really have no excuse not to. - Audible Addixion

After having listened to the hauntingly beautiful and pretty melancholic Science of Lovers, the first single of Galapaghost‘s upcoming album, I have been waiting for the record to drop. A week ago, January 9th 2016, I could finally listen to all twelve songs on I Never Arrived, the third album of Casey Chandler, the singer/songwriter behind the Galapaghost project.

When he is not exchanging the US with Italy, Casey Chandler lives in Austin, TX. Yet currently, he’s touring Italy again and that’s also where he mixed and recorded I Never Arrived, with the help of his friend Federico Puttilli (Nàdar Solo).

I Never Arrived is a beautiful album, with emotions between being lost and found, with a smooth flow, each track telling its own little story and some tracks even come as a surprise (The Greatest Roommate for example). It’s mostly a toned-down, guitar focused record with plenty of really cool electronic-rock and/or electronic-pop touches. Add Casey Chandler’s velvety smooth, deep and charming vocals then you get an often downright alluring mix. Aside from the vocals, the guitar work on the album is exquisite too and so are the lyrics for which I selected a few of my favorite examples.

The beautifully melancholic yet upbeat tempo Salt Lake City tackles the ancient question, how to get a sweetheart’s love (back):

But who do I gotta be
And how do I gotta speak
And how do I gotta eat
And how do I gotta breathe
To make you love me

Mister Mediocrity immediately got me with its soft opening, and then the lyrics! They are self-reflective with a healthy dose of wit:

I wish I could scream like Kurt Cobain
Or maybe just invent a genre like him
I wish I could sing
Like Paul Simon can sing
Or maybe just name every chord that I play

When the song picks up steam, I realized that this is no longer a slow, dreamy guitar piece but a passionate, touching electronic number.

Well I’m not sure what I want
And I’m not sure what I need
But I wish that I just could believe in anything

Oh, and I bet Casey Chandler knows exactly each guitar chord he plays – no question about that, but listen for yourself:

The year is still young, and I Never Arrived is the perfect record if you decided to do a few things differently this time, like “I will listen to more self-produced singer/songwriter album”, because here is your chance!

Follow Galapaghost on Facebook, stream the album on SoundCloud and support the artist on Bandcamp or buy the album on iTunes. Personally, I hope to catch Galapaghost live when in Austin for SXSW 2016. More on that then… - Glamglare

If you’re looking for a modern spin on 70’s folk/Americana then you’ll love Galapaghost out of Austin, Texas. For those into Midlake, Espers, Iron & Wine, Low Roar, and Simon & Garfunkel, Galapaghost’s latest offering ‘I Never Arrived‘ takes us a progression into experimentation with a more alternative sound, while managing to work in synths and various other kinds of ‘electronic’ without the album sounding ‘produced’ in anyway.

Casey Chandler‘s soft, dark vocals manage to drive the tracks forward,creating the perfect atmosphere for those quiet, introspective moments we all crave from time to time.

The entire album is available for free public streaming on Soundcloud, Bandcamp and Spotify. - Harlton Empire

Casey Chandler is a hell of a lyricist. And he’s funny. That’s the power behind his project as Galapaghost (clever name, that). I Never Arrived is soulful, intense, and quite on point.

First off, the record is open and honest. “Somewhere” and “The Secrets Our Body Keeps” are both stirring and soothing.

On “Mister Mediocrity,” Chandler measures his own accomplishments, wondering if he’ll ever creative a genre like Kurt Cobain or be as good as Paul Simon. To create something great. The track very well could be every creative’s national anthem. It struck to the core.

“Vitamin D” and “The Greatest Roommate” are excellent examples of the artist’s shattering wit. Chandler delivers a twist of wry humor and sadness about leaving on “Goodbye (My Visa Arrived).” Play it as you pack for home and see what happens.

“Bloom” finds the artist once again pushing himself, questioning his own journey and success. It could be applied to any of us. Truly a universal song and the music is beautiful. The guitar stays with you.

Probably one of my favorite tracks is “Mazes in the Sky.” A knockout on all counts.

Galapaghost goes in the favorites bin. - Scallywag Magazine

In the wake of an increasingly dour output of finger’ pickin’ folk, Galapaghost ushers in a sound that finds itself achingly self-aware of its predecessors. I Never Arrived shows the trio willing themselves to escape the maladroit nature of trans-Atlantic power-folk for something more self-deprecating and strangely ghoulish. I Never Arrived is the geist of feelings left unsaid, lingering shadows of less than well wishes and a large slice of humble pie that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Galapaghost has some international clout behind them, from a Jools Holland slot to Gabriele Salvatores credits to a likely collaboration with Werner Hertzog’s side projects. This brings a Belle and Sebastian sensibility to some otherwise mildly aggressive fronts, but it’s only a twee rock skip away from the non-threatening nature of the group. I Never Arrived shines in its blatant display of what is years of work on display, deftly crafted in a format not as bloated as other lifetime compendiums. One can feel songwriter Casey Chandler’s commitment to unpacking some sense of pride into a more palatable form.

It’s a friendly release, to say the least. Despite some of Chandler’s platform involving crowing the phrase, “You’re at the top of my shit list,” he’s about as a hard as a Diet Lime Coke left out at room temp. The bulk of the listening pleasure comes from the duality of listlessness and provoked nebbish narration of the unfolding album at hand. The short and sweet of it – one imagines that the gatefold image of this vinyl might have been a crude illustration of Chandler serenading a frog or a gaggle of forest sprites – I think many of us fall into that audience often. - Moxipop

If you like alternative acoustic music, you’ve come to the right place. Galapaghost is a wonderful artist and this album I Never Arrived is an absolute stunner. From the opening guitar notes on “Mazes in the Sky” through the vocal blending, it’s obvious that this is an artful, comforting, and soothing album. The lyrics are complex at times, yet always seem accessible. Whether you’re looking for something on low volume as background to work or an esoteric, acoustic experience, this is definitely an album worth exploring.

The whole feeling of the album is engaging and thought provoking. You’ll be as stunned as I was to see “self release” beside the artist’s name. This isn’t one of those “lo-fi in my parents’ basement in one take” jobs. This is a gorgeously produced work of a true independent musician.

The complicated, minor chord turns on “Science of Lovers” remind me of a mystery film. You’re at the edge of your seat for the song, trying to figure out exactly what’s going on yet also afraid that something just might jump out and get you. The strings are strangely comforting, despite the overall feeling of uncertainty. “Salt Lake City” begins with a beautifully understated electric guitar that reminds me of Yesper. The style is timeless, not really sounding like any particular era. Sometimes I hear the 60s in it, sometimes I hear 90s alt rock in it. Mostly, I just hear unsettling, engaging melodies that draw me deeper into the album.

Again the guitar work on “Mister Mediocrity” is outstanding. It’s got a cool vibe to it and even makes a reference to Kurt Cobain at the beginning. The way the lead singer seems to be so self aware about his music, yet humble about what he’s really doing, calling his own work “mediocre” is endearing and upsetting. Dude, you’re really freaking good. You don’t need me or anyone else to tell you that; you can hear it. Anyways, “but am I ever gonna be… able to create anything that’s great?” It’s a question all creatives ask and most of us who have heard this would say that this album is itself a pretty great accomplishment.

The darkness on the title track “I never arrived” is as obviously haunting as any song I’ve ever heard. It reminds me of something that the Stones could have written some years ago. It’s got a sort of soft bleakness, though, that is in a genre all its own. The repetitive “I thought I could fly” is textured and complicated in ways that are really hard to explain. It’s cinematic, while simultaneously raw and alternative.

The track “The Greatest Roommate” is one of the most sardonic, insulting songs in recent memory. I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry. It reminds me to be nice to all the songwriters I know. It rips into the grooming, odor, and behavior of a clearly undesirable roommate. Then for a pretty harsh change, “The Secrets Our Bodies Keep” is back to the dark serious work that the rest of the album has. It’s about scars and what we’ve been through; it’s an extraordinary work of critical observation and the driving alt rock anthem makes it feel like having a serious conversation with a friend while cruising down the highway with the windows down.

Definitely my favorite track on the album is “Bloom.” It feels much more optimistic, even though I think the emotion at the heart of it is something like jealousy. He’s commenting on how everyone else around him seems to be in bloom. But the structure of the song is really appealing.

All told, the album has these remarkable little moments that get in touch with some of my own darker thoughts and emotions. It doesn’t really seem like Galapaghost felt the need to censor or soften his messages. Rather, it’s the kind of writing that reminds me how important it is for songwriters to process their world through songs. This album may not be the kind that you sing along for inspiration, but it’s certainly one that will make you confront your reality in a number of ways. And the guitar work alone is worth several listens. Give it a shot. - Ear To The Ground

Galapaghost released its self-produced album I Never Arrived earlier this year. Recorded in Italy, the album shows classical influence in the intricate acoustic guitar work. The layered vocals, creating a Simon & Garfunkel effect, are also notable. What really makes this album shine is how all of the elements come together to create a sound all its own.

The acoustic guitar begins every song off in I Never Arrived, with the exception of “The Secrets our Body Keeps,” which begins with the electric guitar. The beautiful intricate guitar work displayed in this album is stunning. Right off the bat, with “Mazes in the Sky”, listeners get hit with gorgeous acoustic guitar picking that continues to be a theme throughout the album. For example, towards the end, “Goodbye (My Visa Arrived)” pairs brilliant guitar picking with a twangy electric guitar that’s suiting for the somber track.

Another notable feature of the album is the layered vocalization. Beginning with “Mazes in the Sky”, we get introduced to two sets of male vocals. The first is a softer, higher voice and the second is more of a deeper baritone one. Together, they create a classic Simon & Garfunkel sound that proves quite soothing. For many of the other tracks, the deeper, crisper voice stands alone (“Salt Lake CIty”) or immediately enters in with the harmonizing set of vocals (“Science of Lovers”).

Many of the tracks take on a more eerie tone. “Science of Lovers” is a great example of the harmonization taking on a creepier effect. In particular, the melismatic “Ahhh”’s that the harmony intersperses throughout the track adds a certain level of eeriness–think modern day Gregorian chant. “I Never Arrived” also has a similarly brooding sound. Here, the instrumentation makes the track sound darker with the acoustic guitar/ piano combination that is also met with spacey effects. The meditative lyrics of “I Never Arrived” also add an extra level of melancholy, with lyrics like “Can I/ be who I used to?”. The tracks are in great contrast to the few that are abundantly more hopeful, namely “Bloom” and “Somewhere.”

It’s interesting that Galapaghost thought to add “Somewhere” followed by “Bloom,” adding in more cheery tracks close to the end. “Somewhere” starts off the mini-hope train with a more peaceful acoustic guitar and piano combination. “Somewhere” is a very hopeful song, with the chorus repeating “Somewhere/ you’ll arrive/ Somewhere/ the sun will rise.” “Bloom” kicks it up one notch further with a bit of whimsy. For the first half of the track, the lyrics tell a tale of jealousy and pressure, while everyone else is finding deep success. The turning point in the song begins with the lyrics “But I’m happy for you/ Everything around me/ and everyone around me/ is in bloom.” The next verse depicts beautiful moments within the speaker’s own life, leading up to the final lyrical climax of a slower, self-realized repetition of the above chorus.

Overall, I Never Arrived is a calming album, filled with many beautiful elements. I highly recommend checking Galapaghost out. —Krisann Janowitz - Independent Clauses