Ape School (Michael Johnson) - Wail To God
(Download) Counter Records COUNTDNL022, 2009-05-25

Tracklisting :
01. Wail To God | Do download mp3
02. My Intention
03. That's OK | YouTube Video
04. General Distraction

Links :
myspace.com/apeschool
myspace.com/counterspace

Press Release :
Michael Johnson presents Ape School with this lead-off EP, the sunniest slice of glam-psych from his forthcoming second album, the self-titled debut as Ape School. Like analog electronics breathing bizarre pop songs, sounding not a million miles from cLOUDDEAD's manic hook-making, MJ combines a feel for a tune with delicious vocal harmonies that would do the Fleet Foxes proud. Throw in a level of sonic experimentation which would do previous collaborators like Daedelus and former bands Holopaw and Lilys proud and you have the makings of a particularly fine record.

"Wail To God" is more joyful than hair-tearing, a mini-epic in three movements, channelling the ghost of Syd Barrett through the sonics of Black Ark. "My Intention" is propelled forward on a parade ground break and builds to an ecstatic climax. "That's OK" is a whimsical and beautfiul, fractured love song. EP-closer "General Distraction" follows a military metaphor to declare war on all the idiots - more through genial ridicule, than anything that might muss up ya hair.

Because what makes Ape School so uplifting, such bracing fun, is the sense of effortlessness that underpins everything Johnson does. Wail to God? Why bother when you can tip him a wink?