Ghostly Times are a New York City, USA-based rock and post-hardcore band who have just come to my attention through the release of their new EP, MIRAGE.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Nick Ehrmann

MIRAGE is very much a collection born for modern times. Over seven tracks, it takes the listener on a journey that covers themes such as love, loss, polarizing politics and mental health. While these are topics that are more and more frequently being covered in the world of music, Ghostly Times make them their own through a unique point of view and hard-hitting lyrics.

It all kicks off with the looping, urgent riffs of Not Alone. There’s an immediately powerful sense of emotion that comes from the arrangement, and the soulful, pleading vocals seal the deal during a simmering chorus. Things explode in a life-affirming chorus that fans of Deftones or Thrice will appreciate.

From there we are given shades of soft introspection (In the Clouds, Petrichor) and juddering anthems (Split Seconds, Quick Lessons, MINDHUNTER). All the while the emotion stays high and standout moments include the image-laden When the Surf Meets The Shore, and EP closer and title track MIRAGE. The latter is a pulsating call to action that lingers long after its last note is played.

Ghostly Times have a sound that has never quite been mainstream but has never failed to find a cult audience. They take post-hardcore’s best features and transform them with their own unique style, and their new EP is an astutely observed collection. Listen if you’re trying to feel something today.

MIRAGE was written by Anthony Farina, Vince Derosa and Erik Hinczak. It was produced and mixed by Anthony Farina, and was mastered by Joe Lambert of Joe Lambert Mastering. It’s available to buy as a digital album via Ghostly Times’ Bandcamp page and you can give it a listen below.