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Ghostland Observatory: Codename: Rondo

Trashy Moped

With an idiosyncratic mix of quirky psych-rock and electro-centric wizardry, Austin, Texas duo Ghostland Observatory has churned out dance-ready rock jams since 2004. Composed of frontman and guitarist Aaron Behrens and producer/synth master Thomas Ross Turner, Ghostland Observatory is an unlikely sonic collision of retro guitars and high energy shrieking synths that satisfies both beat junkies and open-minded rocker types. On Codename: Rondo, the twosome’s uneven fourth album, the whimsical electro-rock of previous efforts has given way to a shrill, self-consciously experimental sound complete with silly spoken word rants about pimps and slurpees, like on the skip-worthy title track. The bright moments include the beat-infused glam opener “Glitter,” featuring spaceship sound effects and shimmying tambourines, and the retro slither of the dance floor-ready “Freeze.”