Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Paper Anthem - By Ghosts

7/15/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Paper Anthem

By Ghosts
Sophrosyne Sounds; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

I think it’s safe to say the process of making music for an artist can be both cathartic and therapeutic. We have all heard the familiar stories of musicians pouring everything they had into their album and having it reflect where they may have been at that moment in their life. For Joseph Hitchcock aka Paper Anthem and his recent album By Ghosts this seems to be the case. Hitchcock was going through a turbulent time while writing but the feeling of hope, determination and optimism he invokes throughout his songs may be the medicine he needed.

One of my first thoughts when listening to By Ghosts was that is contained the same grandiose allure of a band like Coldplay. Some of the songs really soar. That being said, some of my favorite moments were some of the most subdued. Nonetheless, I’m glad Hitchcock didn’t go grandiose for each song because that experience can be quite exhausting. 

The album opens with “Guardian Angel” which put piano and vocal at the focal center of the song. It bursts with exuberance and solace while Hitchcock sings, “Coming around, a guardian angel / Don't look down, I'm falling to you / Coming around, this guardian angel / Don't look down, don't look down.” The constant climax of “Guardian Angel” is balanced by the dynamic “Candle Dances.” “Candle Dances” is like a roller coaster ride with dips and crescendos. The song seems to be about eternal love in an almost cosmic way.

An undeniable highlight was “Cardboard Cove.” It is a single worthy song because of its instant accessibility and catchy melodies. The song feels a little lighter in a good way and I thought the combination of bells and piano is one of Hitchcock's finest moments. Instead of exploding into a chorus he does the opposite and it pays off big time. The transition when he sings, “I still have your note but I'm just sand” and then “In the end there will be nothing but hope for you In the end there will be nothing but the best for you” is one of the best moments on the album. 

“Scales on Skin” contains exceptional lyrics and actually reminded me a bit of The Decemberists. He sings, “Long day in the fields / Killing snakes amongst the weeds / Scales on skin like diamond hearts / I'll find a way to open up.” “Rome” goes from sounding huge to atmospheric while “Pantheon” has some slick percussive elements. Hitchcock ends with “The Universe Is Expanding” which goes into post-rock territory similar to Explosions in the Sky.  

By Ghosts is far from perfect but definitely contains a number of inspired moments. The songs are varied and diverse while not sounding too disparate. Overall, an enjoyable listen and easily recommended.
Become A Fan

official website
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact