What’s up with this disturbing "Auto-Tune" vocal effect showing up more and more frequently in songs by emerging indie artists, folks? Are we sure we want to adopt this sound that screams "I sold my soul to my major label"? I mean… Cher’s "Believe" – which started this infamous trend – came out in 1998, and since then commercial radio has been inundated by imitations often more revolting than the original. Up until today I reacted to "Auto-Tune effect detection" with instant record dismissal – unless it was used in some sort of ironic way. But today I feel like "forgiving" a band for this – and it’s a first, people! NY dance rock act Ghost Beach – compared to your average major label dance group – makes a subtle use of this effect, but brings to the table enough redeeming qualities – in particular a super catchy chorus and a well produced lo-budget video. See their live debut at Tammany Hall on December 1st.
