Into The Ark - My Ghost

Stream My Ghost here (external link)
Read my review of their cover of Leon Bridge's Coming Home here

People often think that because this blog is called MyFizzyPop that content will be focused on the more traditional interpretation of the word 'pop' - Kylie, Madonna, Robbie Williams, Steps, Abba, et al. That may be and is often true, but pop comes in all shapes and sizes, all sounds and formats. Sometimes I find myself reaching out for something outside my regular go-to parameters and when I do, the findings are often just as resonant and satisfying. Take rather amazing group Into The Ark. Their bluesy folk-infused take on pop makes their music earnest and heartfelt, driven by the organic nature of the instruments and the raw passion in the vocal delivery. Their stunning new single, My Ghost, is a lyrical exploration of how we often try to escape the past yet it always seems to come back to haunt us when we least expect it. The music starts off as this guttural, intense guitar driven jam before accelerating into a frenzied wall of sound that mirrors the intensity and emotion of the narrative. Equally as compelling is the lead vocal from Taylor whose mesmerising performance seems driven by the memories and experiences the song words elicit. He sings not because singing will make everything better, but because it is just too powerful a feeling for him to keep inside. Every word is saturated with the ferocity of these sentiments and band mate Dane adds texture & soul with his exquisite harmonies. It all coalesces to create a jaw dropping 3 minutes of sound that is also rich in melody and gifted with memorable refrains that will linger long after the song has finished. As a debut single, it sounds starkly different to the cookie cutter club jams clogging up the radio at the moment - and that is a good thing. Their reliance on traditional songwriting and using actual instruments makes an indelible impression; My Ghost is a song that will stand the test of time and be around long after current trends have dissipated and musical fads faded. All hail your next new favourite band.