Ghostland Observatory Codename Rondo

The Austin, Texas duo's bio says it all: "Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock "˜n roll souls."

Recently, Ghostland Observatory came in hot from Atlanta to perform at the Music Farm in Charleston, South Carolina -- and when I say perform, I mean the whole nine yards. Nixing his signature braids, front man Aaron Behrens put on an electrifying performance alongside Thomas Turner, "all that is electronic and organic."

I managed to make my way to the very front, clinging onto the stage-front fence as the entire venue was engulfed in smoke machines and LED lasers shooting from the stage, the perfect complement to the duo's dynamic stage style. SPIN Magazine has even praised the two for being "a handful both on and offstage, rousing feet and bodies to their electro grooves."

Yes, the show could have gone on a bit longer than it did, and yes, it was a little odd that they were taking on a full tour with nothing but old material, but this all had to be in anticipation of something, right? Lo and behold! The duo closed with something new, a preview of their new and fourth album set to drop Oct. 26, Codename: Rondo.

The sounds were different, almost more fun and conversational rather than the emotional and a bit dark feel of Behrens' high-pitched vocals in some of their past records. Either way, Ghostland Observatory had laser-loving Charleston begging for more as the night came to an end.

The show-closing song as well as sneak preview to Codename: Rondo can be streamed on YouTube here via Trashy Moped Recordings. The band marches on!