As much as I hate to use such a generic statement, I have to admit that the recent album from the Happy Ghosts made me, well, happy. The newest project from multi-instrumentalists Andrew Muecke and Ashley Starkey, the 'Secret Code Of Beauty' does not fail to please with an array of up-beat tunes and experimentation among genres.

The first three tracks - Trouble Maker, Adult Themes and Eternal Flame - each reveal a common theme of quirky, up-beat house music. Wealth & Waste ventures a little on the exotic side. By merely adding an accompanying bongo beat and a trumpet, the song transforms Muecke's instrumental work and Starkey's vocals into groovy jungle - works a treat.

Lament (most appropriately named) creates a real sense of ending. A gentle bass line teamed with an opera soprano belting her lungs out reminds you of those of those fantastic, yet clichŽd movie climaxes just before the credits - a true finale to this album.

There are, however, also some criticisms. After a good thirty-minute work out of the album, I'm feeling satisfied when suddenly - what's this? A hidden bonus remix track of Bloc Party's Prayer. I'm immediately a little apprehensive of Keke Okereke's very, very British vocals in techno-beat, and although the song isn't bad, it's definitely no diamond in the rough.

Regardless of the Bloc Party cover, the 'Secret Code Of Beauty' is a great little album. It's that style of soft alternative music that is so agreeable with all kinds of crowds that I can't imagine anybody having issues with it.

Miranda Freeman

Issue 389 23 Jan - 6 Feb