Radway, Scott: Former Ghosts

This album came as quite the surprise as I was completely unfamiliar with the work of Scott Radway and his bands Polkadot Cadaver and Now Soon Somewhere. Former Ghosts is the musician's first solo album and an excellent spin it is. Radway plays a variety of instruments including drums, synths, guitars, keys, bass, programming and piano. He has also enlisted the help of Rich Banister (guitars) and a couple of guest appearances by Jon Radway (tenor sax) and Echolyn's Brett Kull (slide guitar) who also provides engineering and mixing. Mastering is credited to Ty Tabor of King's X fame. Looking at some of those names it should come as no surprise Former Ghosts exudes quality from the first song to the last.

The album kicks off with "Ghost", an excellent slice of moody art rock with plenty of atmospheric builds and melodic rhythms. In the guitar driven "Too Slow For You" the groove is a little funkier and the rhythms punchier while still having an eclectic vibe. The lushly orchestrated instrumental "Train Prelude" is a nice set up for the '70s influenced "Ghost, no. 2" featuring just the right combination of guitar and keys.

One of the album's highlights would have to be "Strangers" introducing the moodier edged slide work of Brett Kull. It's slow tempo is matched with lovely vocals and harmonies.

Other stand outs include the slightly heavier "Free" with its Floydian sax break and the futuristic sounding "The Roundworm" where the muted sounds of machinery churn in the background giving the tune an electronic bent.

It should be noted the vocals and harmonies stand out on many of these tracks and is a major plus for this reviewer.

For those of you who dig moody pop/rock dripping with atmospheric rhythms and melodic song structures do not hesitate to put Former Ghosts in the cue.

Track Listing:
1. Ghost
2. Too Slow For You
3. Train Prelude
4. Ghost, no. 2
5. Stranger
6. Silent Killers
7. You'll Convince Me
8. The Roundworm (Ascariasis)
9. Free
10. This Train

Added: April 21st 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2664
Language: english

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