Ghost Party - “Ghostwriter”
Photo by Daniel Jackson
Ghost Party, from the USA, have just delivered a classic slice or\f rock’n’roll with the psych-infused “Ghostwriter.”
Lyrically, according to the band, “Ghostwriter” “deals with the frustration of writer’s block, panic attacks, and nightmare premonitions.” It deals with this topic not in the wide-eyed, trippy tie-dye format of the psych genres. Instead, it gives us the paisley shirts, leather jackets and a hint of grit under its nails, much in the same way as The Velvet Underground. It is a mellow unfurling of cool and not a freak out.
Built on a classic, strutting drum groove and bubbly bass line, you soon find yourself foot tapping to the loose sway of the confident composition. Over the top sun-faded, fuzzy guitar hums with analog warmth and Ray Manzarek-esque organ weaves with a bright, reedy tone. Every musical element is bristling with that unmistakable late 1960s technicolour energy.
The vocal is detached and cooly nonchalant but it is also sublimely warm. It holds your attention even though it sounds like a shrug of the shoulders given with a knowing smile. Decorating the performance are some really awesome, lively backing vocals. Call and responding and charmingly giving bursts of syllabic motifs that further flesh out the melody in a truly colourful way.
“Ghostwriter” is an impeccable slice of vintage-tinged indie rock where it is impossible to merely sit and listen to. Make sure you check it out as it is guaranteed to put a bit of a pep in your step. Connect with Ghost Party: Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram