I stumbled across these guys whilst browsing around (which I tend to do) and found their video for the title track “When The Sun Sets.” I wasn’t expecting what I was about to hear. Now, regular listeners will know only too well what music “floats my boat” but you’ll also know that I have a broad range of tastes in my collection. When listening to the music on this video I found myself on a wee nostalgia trip whilst my brain was registering band after band that these guys reminded me of.
The guys themselves list Portishead and The Cure among their influences and, for me, Potishead was the first band that popped into my head. (especially on “World’s End”) but for me I was also getting hints of early Björk (namely on “Patient”), and a touch of Evanescence in there too. For some reason I was even getting a sprinkling of Tear for Fears in the song structure and choruses . . . but here’s the big point that I often don’t make — The Mouths of Ghosts, in many parts, do it better and with a track record and some well deserved publicity and a few tours under their belts people will surely start to compare tracks to them instead.
I challenge you to listen to “When the Sun Sets” a couple of times and see if you can get it out of your head. One of the hardest things in song writing; coming up with a catchy tune and The Mouth of Ghosts nailed it with the title track and Alla does an outstanding job of delivering the song perfectly with a hugely dynamic vocal performance.
If you think I’m mad when I say Tears for Fears then take a listen to “Head over Heals” or “Shout” (or even some of their less commercial offerings) and pay attention to the song structure and the way they build to their chorus and also have a listen to the Bass and drops. Tears for Fears were a huge selling band and a hugely influential band too. I only compare The Mouth of Ghosts song writing in a similar fashion to help suggest that in my opinion it’s only a matter of time before these guys write some anthem building ass kicking tracks.
Let me know if you think I’m mad?
To stretch the canvas even further have a listen to “Close” and let me know if you think that Massive Attack and even the Cockteau Twins have been sprinkled over the top. This EP for me is like tasting a fine wine and discovering flavours and fragrances scattered throughout and it’s not because The Mouth of Ghosts are trying to copy anyone — far from it. They have taken that trip-hop genre and have written songs that are comparable with the like of those I have mentioned above . . . far from clones they are easily in the same league!
Someone up there is looking after The Mouth of Ghosts!
Based in London and having only formed in 2011, with some members having only been drafted to the ranks a matter of months ago (from time of writing), if this is the quality of song writing and standard to come from The Mouths of Ghosts in early 2012 then I for one will be following every step they make in anticipation of what’s to come. We’ll be keeping you up to date as best we can on activities and any further features we can bring your way. In the meantime I would suggest that you take a trip over to their website and follow them on the usual social networks so you don’t miss out!
The Mouths of Ghosts are:
Alla Seydalieva (vocals)
Simon Langford (guitar)
Marco Italia (bass)
Phil Page (drums) Valerie Deniz (vocals and synth)
www.themouthofghosts.com (download the EP from the home page)
https://twitter.com/MouthofGhosts1
http://www.facebook.com/TheMouthOfGhosts
