Looking at the roll-call for Former Ghosts, it’s fair to think of to it as something of an obscure indietronica supergroup – members of Xiu Xiu and Zola Jesus feature alongside main man Freddy Ruppert. While these musicians have no problem coming together to craft a solid, emotional record, the sound is far from being their own.
Joy Division casts long, dark shadow over the project, with Ruppert particular indebted to Ian Curtis’ echoing tones. Only when the rhythmic synths kick in on songs like ‘New Orleans’ and ‘Only In Time’, do Former Ghosts manage to escape into a world of sonic weirdness.
7/10
Words by Steve Harris
Read an interview with Former Ghosts, our latest Ones To Watch, on ClashMusic HERE.
