I, the Ghost - Daybreak

I, the Ghost

Daybreak
self-released; 2017

​3.6 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Ben Gathright (guitar/vocals), Michael Kean (drums) and Matt Kean (bass) are i, The Ghost. The three-piece band from Texas recently released a five-song EP entitled Daybreak. 

They mention that the EP has roots in post-punk but the comparisons to bands like Joy Division or Siouxsie and the Banshees was a stretch to me. I felt the music veered more towards ’90s rock. The EP has clear concepts and themes which have to deal with recognizing the mistakes that one may have made in a past relationship as well as not giving up hope after a relationship is over. 

They open with “Daybreak” which sounded somewhere between the band Live and Tool. Also like Tool the vocalist sings in a way that feels heavy and serious. There isn’t an ounce of levity to be found. That beings said I thought he had a great voice especially when he stays in a comfortable octave range. 

The tom heavy drum part serves the song well and adds to the overall vibe that the rest of the band members paint. Overall, an impressive opener. 

Up next is “Anchor-LIne” which is another solid song. The reverb-laced guitar combined with the delayed vocals create a very reflective and contemplative sound. The second half of the song is dedicated to rocking out and the band gets into some muddy water. The lo-fi production starts to buckle and the band gets a little out of the pocket although the it's still throughly enjoyable.

“Lament” felt like a straight up ’90s alternative song. From the guitar progressions that reminded me of early Pavement, Hum and Smashing Pumpkins to the overall structure. It’s a solid song although I can’t say the screaming towards the end was working out great. The band continues to rock out with “Give Up” and “Give In.” which were straight forward but well delivered and written.

This EP shows some potential from the young band. They aren’t doing anything that hasn’t done  before but the delivery and songwriting is solid. The two things I would like to see improved next time around is the production and the band's ability to consistently stay in the pocket.

​Overall, this is an enjoyable introduction. The band has a lot going for them and look forward to their growth,

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