Single Review: Ripship Is Online

I first came across these guys a few months back when I saw them open for Daniel Armstrong & The Monsoons and I was immediately impressed by their approach which was both effective and infectious, so I was pleased when this single recently came my way. They are a duo comprising Callum Lincoln (guitar, vocals, loops) and Eva-Rae McLean (drums, vocals), and they mix together live loops, crunchy guitar and live drums to create something which would be what Ozric Tentacles would be doing if they were more into space rock. This kicks off with a four-note repeated synth sequence (which goes through most of the song), and then Eva-Rae joins in on drums. Just as one becomes hypnotised by the repetition, we get some short sharp guitar/drum crunches and then we are off again as if nothing had happened.

Some picked guitar and more keyboards come through while Eva-Rae sings in a wistful manner about a civilisation at the beginning of their journey to the stars. One is soon brought deep into their world, with the vocals inviting us in, the music shifts, but often with that repeated hook, and then the beat changes, the synths lift and everything gets somewhat darker with classic space rock stylings and some great pushed sax from producer Peter Ruddell who does Nik Turner proud with some very Hawkwind-like sounds. I said when I saw them play that I was looking forward to the album and having heard this that is definitely the case.