The Sand Pebbles - Ghost Transmissions (2004)

The Sand Pebbles, a very cool band from Melbourne, Australia, have been making music together in various line-ups, since way back in 1999. Ghost Transmissions, is the album that brought them to the attention of various tastemakers in the Melbourne scene, though not before a cover of Julian Cope's Out Of My Mind On Dope And Speed saw them written up in various influential publications in the U.S. back in 2002.
Ghost Transmissions is a shining gem of psychedelic-pop-rock. Perhaps, like me, psychedelic conjures images of the band disappearing up their own collective-paisley-coloured Khyber at some point in the proceedings, venturing off on their own - never to come back down again - trip, man. I can assure you that this is not the case. From the slow burn of the opening track, The Day Summer Fell, Ghost Transmissions is, for the most part, a mellow, groove-ridden, journey, through which the band happily plays the part of the pied piper, leading the ever-willing listener.
There are some excellent instrumental tracks on the album, including the 'perfect for driving along the coastline' rock-out of Hanging Out, and the 'this song is making me all warm and fuzzy' groove of Sioux City Falls. The track, Black Sun Ensemble, clocks in at just under twelve minutes, and encompasses all of the best elements of The Sand Pepples sound (i.e. psychedelic-pop-rock). With awesome lead guitar, that is never over-indulgent, and the bass and drums rhythm section locking onto a solid groove throughout, this has to be the standout track of the album.
Finishing with the loose, rocking All My Life (I Love You), Ghost Transmissions is a an awesome listening experience from beginning to end. The Sand Pebbles - who released Atlantis Regrets Nothing - the follow up to Ghost Transmissions - in 2006, are definitely a band worthy of your attention.

Check Out: http://www.myspace.com/sandpebbles