The idea of a “summer record” is something that I’ve always been aware of since I was a kid but it’s something that has since faded into the back of my mind as we just don’t hear the term used a lot anymore for one reason or another. There have been far more albums that I’ve found myself describing as a wintry album from the atmospheres that can be elicited, but that’s not the case with tonight’s album. The more I listen to the upcoming offering from the immensely creative and catchy Ceremony, the more I find myself believing this is the epitome of a summer record.

Just listening to this album that takes its infectious nature to the absolute maximum makes me feel like I’m a kid again enjoying a summer vacation to its highest potential as I run through the sun, have a damn good time at the beach, and just bound away without a single care in the world. Every ounce of whatever it is that Ceremony poured into this album results in a super fun record that knows exactly how to get a good hold of you and keep you in a constant circle of euphoria with “In The Spirit World Now” never once letting down in energy or entertainment. All the elements of these fourteen tracks (even including the odd but slightly charming interludes that seem from a fragmentary poem) could have easily been ripped from a cheesy but bewildering psychedelic work from decades past, and where some bands might trip over themselves and fail spectacularly it’s Ceremony that hits on every possible cylinder to create a soundscape that’s no less than euphoric from top to bottom. “In The Spirit World Now” also comes off as a pop-laced trip through haze like none other but there is a punk element to the mix that Ceremony somehow nails that as well by putting it layers underneath the pop-like surface to create a massively layered experience that when dug into continues to give us more and more treats to eat right up in earnest.

I am still surprised at how well this album works from top to bottom as I never would’ve guessed I’d enjoy something like this without having more problems than compliments, but Ceremony clear knows what they’re doing as they do no less than dominate in their catchiness and glory. Right from the get-go, “In The Spirit World Now” becomes something that could easily be called the record of the season without how damned infectious and fun it is to listen to as well as having so much for us to sink our teeth right into.

“In The Spirit World Now” releases on August 23rd via Relapse Records!

PRE-ORDER “In The Spirit World Now” via multiple sources here.

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “In The Spirit World Now” on Bandcamp here.

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