Ghost Town – EVOLUTION – Album Review

Article by: Jessica Gorrell

Ghost Town’s new album, Evolution, is like taking a near 37-minute trip down memory lane. Each track on the 36 minute and 47-second-long album screams (sometimes rather literally) of the struggles and the angst that is so easily relatable to most people today. Formed in 2012 and signed to Fueled by Ramen in 2013, Ghost Town uses catchy pop tunes, inspiring lyrics and raw throat-tearing vocals to send a message.

The first track on the album, thunderous and beguiling at once, sets the tone for the entire album and attempts to “Spark” a revolution, as the opening title implies. The next 10 tracks on the album are no exception to the efforts of conveying the message Ghost Town stands for – not even the 1 minute and 2 second interlude between the 7^th and 9^th tracks of the album. Though the track lacks vocals, there is no need for them: guitarist Alix Koochaki and drummer MannYtheDrummeR manage to maintain the same hypnotic and assertive dynamic, keeping up with the pace of the rest of the album.

Ghost Town manages to show not only their own take on alternative punk-rock, but also their ability to showcase a sense of mainstream pop and hooking choruses on tracks like “Loner,” “Human,” and “Out Alive.” And like every musically diverse band, there is, of course, a few quieter and more touching pieces like “Let Go,” and “Candles,” letting those with softer hearts revel in the notion of vocalist Kevin Ghost’s lilting and rather melodic voice crooning that “sometimes you have to let it go,” and that he’ll “light a candle for you.” The capability of switching from their apparently natural habitat of rough-riffed guitars and guttural screaming, to appealing to the masses who are more into the pop-chorus and heartwarming ballads, can be a tremendous asset to the band on their journey to recognition.

Evolution is entertaining and it’s obvious that Ghost Town is a talented band; but so is every other other punk-rock band that had formed in the last decade. Being once an avid listener of groups like All Time Low, Forever The Sickest Kids, Bring Me The Horizon, Circa Survive and more, it was much easier to spot the overabundance in similarities between Ghost Town and just about every other band circa the 2006 alternative wave. With all that being said, one very important difference is the seemingly unique use of electronic sounds and synthesizers to change the way the album, which produces a sound already in overabundance in this day and age, falls on the ears. It’s unique, but it’s not. It’s old but it’s new. Regardless of what the album is stylistically, it’s still fun and definitely sends a powerful message.

Evolution will be released on November 6^th, and the band will play a few dates around the UK through the end of October before embarking on a tour of the US starting in San Francisco on November 1^st.

Track Listing:
1. Spark                     7. Internet Pirates
2. Evolution               8. Interlude
3. Mean Kids            9. Candles
4. Out Alive               10. Down
5. Human                  11. Let Go
6. Loner