To anyone who has ever witnessed the style and spectacle that is a Ghostland Observatory concert, the thought of hearing those same songs played from the restrained confines of a studio album is rather concerning.

The theatrical lights show. The distorted, synthetic sounds, courtesy of the duo’s musical mastermind, Thomas Ross Turner. The human caffeine buzz, frontman Aaron Behrens.

A studio album could never do the Austin-based duo justice, right?

Not quite.

While Robotique Majestique, Ghostland Observatory’s third studio release (available on Tuesday, March 4), pales somewhat in comparison to the band’s live experience, it delivers more than enough to justify Ghostland Observatory’s “it band” status. That status was cemented during last year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival, when the duo upstaged, of all people, the legendary Bob Dylan, who took the stage as Ghostland Observatory’s set was winding down.

That, coupled with a selection as the Austin American-Statesman’s Band of the Year for 2007, built quite the buzz for Robotique Majestique, which will — in a first for Ghostland Observatory — hit stores with expectations in tow.

Diehards of the group will not be disappointed, while the casual listener will find distinctness in the duo’s electronic, dance-friendly, Daft Punk-esque sound. And anyone with a pulse won’t be able to resist bouncing to tailor-made hook tracks “The Band Marches On,” “No Place For Me” and “Dancing On My Grave.”

Not one to overstay its welcome, Robotique Majestique features only 10 tracks — a couple of which are purely instrumental — and clocks in at less than 45 minutes. The album may be simple in its outline, though it is far from simple in its content.

Turner — known for wearing a cape on stage — is quickly becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming beat-crafters around, while Behrens possesses Prince’s flare for showmanship and a vocal range to match. The duo is energetic, flashy and fun.

And, as evidenced by Robotique Majestique, its members don’t need laser lights and a club atmosphere to prove as much.

CLINT HALE | 210SA
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