The Ghosts
Persuasively melodic guitars, and luscious sound-scaping synths combine dreamily on The Ghosts heartfelt debut album 'The End,' recorded in a prolific two-week stint with producer Tim Bran (La Roux, The Charlatans, Paul McCartney,) and due for release April 15th.
Although perhaps haunted by memories and people, the result is a strong, sincere and beguiling collection of songs characterised by an air of melancholia that's counterbalanced by an uplifting sense of hope.
The London band's soaring and sublime melodic-pop does not dwell on the past, with the album title instead marking a chance to find hope after disaster.
The Ghosts formed in December 2010 when singer songwriter Alex Starling (formerly Ou Est Le Swimming Pool) and drummer Ian Palmer were introduced by mutual friend The Charlatans' Jon Brookes.
They are completed by classically trained Rayna Ferner (keys,) who also plays strings on the album, Dan Whiffin (guitar) and Alex Sharman (keys.)
'The End' follows the release of the synth-pop collective's debut single 'Enough Time,' which showcased Starling's delicate falsetto musings combined with catchy melodies and nostalgic soundscapes.
Although offering a tantalising glimpse of what was to come, the album is not purely electronics-based. An acoustic guitar drives softer, heartfelt ballads in bleak contrast to the album’s atmospheric interludes and darker, rockier moments.
Its diversity is testament to each member's individual influences (from MGMT to The Rolling Stones) and elements combining to create their unique sound.
The Ghosts’ second single 'Ghosts' is due for release on 8th April.