Halloween is over, but we can still witness the solo careers of artists rise from the ashes of their old bands, and note that both have used the term “Ghosts” in the title or band name.
Magnets & Ghosts “Mass”
Collective Soul Founding Member Dean Roland & Singer/Songwriter Ryan Potesta strike out as Magnets & Ghosts. The duo have many diverse musical influences, the opener “Hearts of Everyone” has more in common with the alt band Love & Rockets than CS. But it doesn’t take long for a true rock classic to emerge on “Hearts of Everyone” with it’s impressive catchy chorus. The title track slowly fades in, with solemn Gregorian chants and a single piano note, it leads to the very Coldplay-like ballad “Hold On” full of orchestral sweeps and echoing strings. Another great track is “The Sea and The Sound” with it’s quick rhythms and mult-tracked chorus similar to U2. The most unique song here is “I Want You” as the hand claps and drum start the chanting “whoa, whoa” but the piano brings across a melody that recalls both Bryan Scary and Depeche Mode. There is just enough here to keep Collective Soul fans interested (“Like A Sunday”), but make no mistake this is a clear alt. pop album that will appeal outside their traditional fan base to audiences that appreciate Arcade Fire, British Sea Power and Polyphonic Spree. Some sonic indulgences here ( like “Half-Awake”) but overall a very good start to a new band made up of old mates.
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Miles Zuniga “These Ghosts Have Bones”
Fastball frontman Miles Zuniga lets his pop flag fly on his solo debut. What can I say but this is the broken hearted romantic rocker’s perfect album. Opening with the melodic “Marfa Moonlight,” it’s a catchy and quirky delight that McCartney used to do. The melodies may be sweet but as “Rock Paper Scissors” boasts “violence and razor blades forever more” it brings to life inner doubts and rotten core of a dying relationship. The plain speaking story of betrayal in “Feel It In Your Kiss” has a retro-70’s feel here. The album wry centerpiece “The Weatherman” has Miles joined by jazz singer Kat Edmonson in a slow Ray Davies styled song of resignation about climate change. “Wicked” is a soulful mid-tempo rocker that recalls John Lennon with the chorus “She’s wicked, Wicked and cruel – Oh, she’ll make a fool of you” and it could be the twin track to “Sexy Sadie.” Another tune of love ruined is “Elizabeth” with both masterful lyrics and composition. The song cycle of the album does have some hopeful notes, with “Working On A Love Song,” but even this is a false hope as most of this is just Miles exquisite suffering of “heartache and regret” (as heard on “You Can’t Break My Heart.”) Not a single weak song here and highly recommended, as it’s the best emotional release/therapy for a recent divorce you’ll ever hear. Repeat listens required and a top ten album for sure.
