Checkpoint Charlie EP
2015 · EP
Narrative Film
Two pieces totaling 14:30. A dramatic, dreamy experiment in lush romantic harmonies and headsplitting noise, with a 46-person string orchestra recorded in Prague.
"Checkpoint Charlie" EP is two pieces totaling 14:30 in length. This 2015 release by Ghost Against Ghost is a dramatic, dreamy experiment in lush, dark, romantic harmonies and grating, headsplitting noise featuring a 46-person string orchestra, noise experimentation, vocal stacks, drums, percussion, electronics and synthesizers. The full orchestra was recorded in Prague with members of the Czech Philharmonic and Prague Philharmonic. Part 1 is a lush and beautiful piece, unique in its use of the orchestra against synths, vocals and ambience — drawing on the influence of late romantic and neo-romantic composers alongside psychedelic, progressive and post-rock influences. Part 2, "The Descent," portrays the psychological descent into hell: consistent, dissonant, droning waves designed to cut into the listener psychologically. The official music video by Craig Murray won the 2016 Golden Lion Award at the Barcelona Film Festival, was an Official Selection at the 2016 Cucalorus Film Festival, and won at the 2017 New Renaissance Film Festival in Amsterdam. The video was premiered by Vice.
Credits
Christopher Bono — Writer, Producer, Arranger, Composer, Vocals, Synths, Keyboards, Programming, Mixing, Noise
Thomas Pridgen — Drums
Czech FILMharmonic — Strings
Satoshi Noguchi — Mixing (with Christopher Bono)
Gavin Lurssen — Mastering Engineer
Recorded at OSC Apollo 37 Studios (orchestra in Prague)