Ghost House
These Are Ghost House
By Josiah HughesVancouver’s Ghost House have upped the ante with their follow-up to last year’s Departures by promising a string of EPs that, once released, will fit together as a board game. These Are Ghost House, the first release in the series, provides the same piano-driven post-punk but with even better ideas and fuller production courtesy of ringleader Jesse Gander. “We Run of Chorus†opens with a pensive sing-along before double-timing into a swirling chorus. “Traditional†is arguably the best thing Ghost House have done yet, jamming out loud and managing to showcase each member’s incomparable talent, while “Sitting Ducks†attacks with similarly busy aplomb. Closing out the record, “Pacific Standard†is a perfectly placed slow-burner. Luckily, there are three more EPs to look forward to, making 2007 the year of Ghost House. (Reluctant)Ghost House
The Good Ghost House EP
By Josiah HughesThe second EP in their promised set of four EPs, The Good Ghost House EP further demonstrates Ghost House's prowess as one of Canadian indie rock's brightest hopes. "Good Grief" opens the record with cover boy Steve Matheson's driving bass before erupting into another complex song that features Katie Lapi's guitar and Jesse Gander's twinkling keys atop Al Boyle's jazz-ready drum work. "Tuesday 2 A.M." takes the same formula to a more sombre level, as the band echoes the line "The times were hard to find," but the busyness returns with the crackling electronics and hurried piano of "Motion Sensor," which leads into the heavy conclusion of "No Enemies." Marked by their strong work ethic and stronger raw talent, Ghost House deliver yet again on The Good Ghost House EP. More please. (Reluctant)expect the last EPs out soon!!!!
