In a way it’s a pity that Ghosts write such catchy, intelligent pop songs, because you get the feeling they could do a hell of a lot more besides – if they just cut loose. ‘Stay The Night’, the first single from this, their debut album, made it onto a heap of radio playlists earlier this year. But because it was a little quirkier than the likes of The Feeling, it disappeared off those playlists just as quickly.
That might have sounded the death-knell for their hopes of being this year’s soft rock champions, with all the money and middle-aged fans that entails, but it also gives Ghosts a decent chance to establish their own identity. Putting your finger on what exactly that is proves a bit tricky though.
Influences aren’t hard to identify, but they are diverse. Future single ‘World Is Outside’ has more than a ring of A-Ha, ‘Wrapped Up In Little Stars’ channels early Radiohead, and album closer ‘Temporary’ could almost be lifted from Keane’s latest sessions. Throughout, Ghosts sprinkle a touch of originality – but little more. Their music makes for a pleasant listen, but the four piece from London don’t seem to be in the game of challenging. Frontman Simon Pettigrew is the latest graduate from the school of plaintive and slightly fey British vocalists, but thankfully his lyrics show more promise and depth.
The fact that they have been at it for more than a decade shows: there’s a level of polish to this cleanly-produced collection. The band also display a keen ear for hooks and harmonies.
But it isn’t enough to warrant a ringing endorsement. Next time out, Ghosts should put the emphasis firmly on defining their own sound. In the meantime, this might just be a grower.