EP Review: Ghostly Times – MIRAGE (Self Released)

Brooklyn, New York rock band Ghostly Times are back with a brand-new EP called ‘MIRAGE’. The EP was released on April 12th, 2024, and is the long-awaited follow-up to their 2017 debut full-length album, ‘When All That’s Left Is Grey’.

It’s been a long time since I wrapped my ears around Ghostly Times, and having thoroughly enjoyed the debut album, as well as the 2018 single ‘The Sender’, I can honestly say I’m excited to hear where they are at in 2024.

Which just so happens to be a creatively exciting place, where they are expanding on their rock sound, keeping it focused on effective melodic beauty, and still showing how capable they are at putting smiles on faces. The contrast between styles is on full and stylish display with the first two tracks of this EP; Not Alone and In the Clouds. The former has peppy and experimental rock instrumentation with smooth vocals. Whereas the latter is dramatically mellow, but exudes passionate power. The outro of this track is particularly impressive.

With these first two tracks, Ghostly Times confirms that this is going to be another great listen, and the good vibes continue into Split Seconds, Quick Lessons. Ghostly Times letting the bass do some heavy lifting here, getting pretty damn wild at the end, all to great results. Followed then by When the Surf Meets the Shore, a track with some of the EPs strongest vocals and lyrics. Words sung from the soul, even as the instrumental side of things continues to come across quite experimental. Before Petrichor calms things down again with a gorgeous showcase of dreamy melody and freeing atmosphere.

A bit of an energy uptick is welcome now, and happily, Ghostly Times has exactly what is desired with the heavy rock hitter that is MINDHUNTER. Even though the fast-paced guitars and drums are welcome, what makes this another classy listen is the melodic undertones and the big sounding chorus. This might be the anthem of the track, as it does have big singalong qualities.

Ending the EP with elegance, Ghostly Times adds the exclamation point to a ‘best of the year’ statement with the title track. A track that is far too easy to lean back and relax to. Even as it grows more and more enthusiastic. Just one more banger from a band seemingly incapable of doing anything but make banger music.

Ghostly Times – MIRAGE Track Listing

1. Not Alone
2. In the Clouds
3. Split Seconds, Quick Lessons
4. When the Surf Meets the Shore
5. Petrichor
6. MINDHUNTER
7. MIRAGE

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