Ghouls: Ten Thousand Words On

Artist: Ghouls
Title: Ten Thousand Words On

Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Release: February 2014

As an avid ska-punk fan, I find myself incredibly critical of going to see new bands.  I first saw Ghouls play at The Old Queens Head in Angel, in the summer of 2012 and in one gig, I was hooked. Since then they have played all over the UK including festivals like Beach Break and supporting the likes of Professor Green, Jim Lockey and Larry and His Flask.

This year sees them playing even more high profile gigs with Takedown Festival, Hit The Deck, Bearded Theory, and Fling Festival already confirmed.  

Ghouls’ debut album Ten Thousand Words On  is a like being on a 45-minute rollercoaster that has more twists than a curly whirly and a cacophony of influences from all of your favourite rides ever – including the love boat.

If you like your ska-punk with doses of gypsy, folk and a splash of outright pop you cannot be disappointed; bright guitars and captivating melodies, snare driven beats and varied vocals from Ben and Chon, not to mention brilliant brass and sax solos means this is something any ska-punk fan can have on repeat without fear of boredom. Waking up singing your favourite tune is definitely on the cards. James Routh’s (https://www.facebook.com/jamestiberiusrouth?fref=ts)  production is slick, punchy and captures the boys' sound perfectly.

My personal favourites include Live, which is as full of raw energy as if you were at the front of one of their gigs (a shed load) and a hook that has you singing along and punching the air; Oceans is a love song featuring Gloria, (https://www.facebook.com/Gloriamusique?fref=ts) a lady with an incredible talent, which seems to tell a story of distance not just created by oceans but also our own ability to distance ourselves from something wonderful; Quit While You’re Ahead plays like a soundtrack to my own feelings of resisting the urge to run from goals when you’re told you’ll never make it. It’s beautiful, sad and emotive.

Overall the album is a triumph.  Expect great things from these boys! Any negatives? One. I’m not a fan of spoken word interludes. In the grand scheme of things, I think I can forgive it. 9.5/10. Go buy it. Now.

Ten Thousand Words On will be out soon. Ghouls play a series of gigs from 29th January to 28th February, and are playing at Takedown Festival, Hit The Deck Festival, and Bearded Theory Festival.

Review written by guest writer Millie Manders (http://www.milliemanders.co.uk/ & https://www.facebook.com/milliemandersmusic )