Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
In A Town Called Nothing the Ghosts On Tape are worth their weight in gold, for in exposing the mystery that walks two worlds, the corporeal and the as yet unknown, we could arguably find harmony, we would certainly encounter spirit, and despite others believing there is some kind of morbid interest, a death hag stance in which the sound of the beyond interests us more than the joy of the living, it is that harmony of both worlds that inspires us to create art that encompasses both states of humanity.
Striding into new territory is a must when the world is on repeat, the belief that it is not just a time for chasing ghosts, the memories of borrowed times stimulating the present with song; but for planning the future, no matter how incalculable it seems, life must prevail beyond the realm of the ether.
Time spent together is a must, it is what drives the pleasure of all things, and whilst isolation may give you time to take breathe, together it makes the future memories to which we witness the birth of new artistic endeavours, and for Laura May Carter and Steven Ansell, the Ghosts on Tape are assuredly one in which togetherness, the ability to be within close proximity of each other, have resonated so personally that they have gained the perspective of fruitful and productive recording.
If you tell someone enough times that they don’t fit in, they will take the opportunity to prove you right and be their most authentic selves, their most passionate inner souls releasing an outburst of energy which will blind the naysayers and deniers and leave those who embraced the seemingly outcast with charmed and loving hearts.
Such is the grace of the duo’s new album that tracks such as Morbid Fascination, Murder Me, Sucker, Begging, Dig A Hole, I Am Not You, and I Lose Whatever I Own stand out as behemoths, giants with refined movements and style befitting any artist who seeks proof of what can be achieved when you listen to what lays beyond our natural sight.
From the steady hand of music, the scintillating vocals, and the sheer poetry of the lyrics, Ghosts On Tape is proof captured of permanent spirit, of an essence of the inner self that exists despite others who say it cannot be so. Outwardly cool, and shining brightly on the inside, Blood Red Shoes have recorded an album of atmosphere and of their life.
Blood Red Shoes release Ghosts On Tape on January 14th via Velveteen Records.
Ian D. Hall