Ghouls – ‘Great Expectations II’ Review
Ghouls – London, England, United Kingdom.
Ghouls. Scary? Nah. Talented and going places? We are inclined to think so. Time to embrace that combination of Punk-Rock and Horns once more.
It is entirely possible that we may describe Ghouls as an ‘MF band’ at this time. This is the third time we have featured them on our site and we couldn’t be happier to feature them once more. It’s nice to see a band in this vein “making it” and showing commitment to craft that, the majority of the time, you simply don’t hear of within popular airtime.
And if this is your first time experiencing Ghouls, why not wander over to our previous features on the band: Click HERE for our review of Ten Thousand Words On and HERE for the Great Expectations EP.
The band are just about to drop their third release, Great Expectations II, which acts as a continuation of the previous EP Great Expectations by notably adding three more tracks. We enjoyed the former, so naturally when another release appeared, we threw a Pokeball at it and added it to our PC.
Great Expectations II:
‘I’m sorry for being sorry, I never really meant it, I just didn’t want to argue and all I ever do is worry about what might happen next…’
‘Great Expectations’, as well as tracks two, three and four, were all on the first incarnation of this EP and are just as solid as they were originally when blasted out in the sequel. Ghouls talent for witty, relatable lyrics and the telling of a tall tale never let them down. Plus, lads – I can relate to these lyrics, as I’m sure, will many of you.
‘Nice To Know You’ makes good use of the band’s brass combined with old-school Pop-Punk sensibilities and a dirty low Punk-Rock bass.
‘Gone Fishing’ was my personal favourite off the last EP and still remains so. Good fun, fast, and well written 90’s Pop-Punk that easily stands out amongst the current wave of UK Pop-Punk, and the more melodic Punk-Rock bands.
‘Being Me’ tied off the last album with a down-tempo reminisce/soliloquy of honesty, that again, tells a story that can’t help but make you smile in it’s defiant manner.
Both the releases in this mini series show the band’s Punk-Rock influences shining brighter in the mix. The choruses are still as hook-laden and accessible, but the guitar work and general pace of the band seems to be having something of an arse-kick that provides results. Not that there was any issue in the first place. ‘Better And Then Some’ is a belter.
‘Abandon Ship’ keeps things low and pounds out a slightly darker side of Ghouls. The brass and melodies are evident, but there’s an aggressive edge to this one.
‘All board the relation-ship, the ship set sail destined to sink – down to the bottom of the ocean…’
We’ve all been there and may well again, but let’s not think about that too much, rather, let’s focus on the fact that this track is a cracker.
A slow one? Oh go on then. ‘Acting Adult’ – ugh, Do I have to? Joking aside, this is another great display of songwriting that makes a point that you can’t argue with. The pressure on young people in general is substantial these days; to be “adult” earlier and earlier, but shit can happen, to put it bluntly, and that can make it no easy task. Either way, this track could help pull you through.
Fancy a go at another great release from London lot Ghouls? Then following direct links and info will assist:
– Ghouls and Facebook and Twitter.
– The bands music and this release will and can be found via iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, bandcamp and at those live gig things.
– Physical copies can also be found via their bigcartel site, where Merch is also available.
#WhateverThatThingIsThatWeUsuallySay…
#StayFresh
