"Electric Rodeo" by Ghost in the Machine (GITM) isn't just a new release. It is a musical journey back to the origins of the band, a homecoming of sorts. Released on May 26, 2023, by 808 Multi Media LLC, the duo, consisting of C4 and Face, have remastered and breathed new life into two of their classic tracks.
For the single "Electric Rodeo," the band decided to revisit two of their early songs to create a fresh sound. The first track, "Electric (Rage)," was originally released in 1998 as "Electric (Rave)." the band explained, "We took the original session tracks and worked the production from the ground up. We added modern synths as leads but kept the overall flow of the original." A contemporary touch to a banging electro-industrial anthem, it keeps the spirit of '98 alive.
The second track, "Rodeo (Striptease)," a rework of the original "Rodeo" from 2002, underwent a more detailed transformation. "Besides modern production touches, the tempo was halved and the arrangement was restructured to allow for new lyrics and guest vocals by Caela," the band shared. They wanted the music to communicate a raw and sultry attitude, in tune with the dancer's experience that the new lyrics hinted at. Still, they maintained, "the connection to the original is clear and that it is still the sound of Ghost in the Machine."
"Electric Rodeo" is not merely a revival but a celebration of the band's history. The theme of this release is especially poignant for GITM. "The biggest theme that holds meaning for us is the musical trip down memory lane," the band stated, adding that it felt like returning to their "aggro dark electro origin."
The release also reflects the band's growth and evolution as artists. C4 and Face described it as "a really cool experience to dust them off, share some memories of when they were originally recorded and then shine them up with new life, sound, and energy." Rather than an abrupt change, they see it as coming full circle, explaining, "We may take this inspiration and stay in this musical space for a bit with our 2020's perspective. But surely we will continue growing and the genre mashing we are known for. We don't like being in a box for too long and we'll continue to evolve."
The duo hopes that "Electric Rodeo" will resonate with both their long-standing fans and those discovering their music for the first time. They wish that their audience will "enjoy the fresh take on these songs" and connect with the revised interpretations rooted in industrial electronic. "We think they are better than the originals in some ways and we hope they do too!" they expressed.
With "Electric Rodeo," Ghost in the Machine demonstrates that reinvention doesn't have to mean abandonment of the past. Their remastered tracks celebrate the original sounds while embracing the contemporary musical landscape. It is a fresh yet familiar offering, providing a captivating mix of industrial, alternative metal, darkwave, and cybergoth that is set to enthrall fans of Rammstein, NIN, KMFDM, and more.
The electrifying journey that is "Electric Rodeo" promises not only a nostalgic trip back to the band's origins but also a glimpse into the future of their ever-evolving musical identity. A testament to their musical innovation, "Electric Rodeo" proves that GITM continues to defy boxes and limitations, promising a thrilling musical ride for everyone willing to dive into the electrifying world of Ghost in the Machine. |
