Ghosts Of Our Former Selves (or GOOFS for short) sound better than ever on their long awaited second album, ‘Night Church’. From catchy chorus’ to funky grooves there is a little of everything. Unlike the saying “Jack of All trades, master of none”, GOOFS sound mature and cohesive on each and every song. Not only was the album fun to listen to, the songs all had depth and emotion – truly turning this into an album where skips aren’t necessary..
Since we have already touched on ‘Sea Of People’ on our New Music Sunday write-up we won’t deep dive into it here and will instead start on the number two song on the album (You can read our write-up linked at the bottom!). ‘Night Church’ settles into an easy-going bass-led groove. The playful instrumental provides a foundation for the lead vocals to easily dance on top. When the chorus comes around, backing vocals help that groove lock in. One thing that stuck out about this song was all the different mood and energies the band captured. Not only that, but they did so without losing the original energy that drove the song and started it out.
Ghosts Of Our Former Selves show off their strengths and maturities as a group. Easily playing off each other’s riffs, the band manages to push and pull the energies throughout the album with ease. Plus, since they are comfortable in such a wide variety of grooves, the messages behind their songs easily come across.
The Numbers takes an almost inquisitive vibe off the get-go. Cool RnB vocals, full but occasionally raspy give the song texture. The push and pull of everything is nostalgic and easy to listen to. I’m a total sucker for funk organ, and loved its use in the background no matter how sparse or minimalistic it was.. In a similar vein, backing vocals throughout the entire album add harmony without taking attention off the melodies.
‘Night Church’ is a great experience for anybody who is lucky enough to listen to it.
INDIE TOP 39
Because of their depth as artists, their songs fit a variety of different moods. Sometimes the band feels like they’re celebrating, but at other times maybe just relaxing in a coffee shop. Despite this, their sound is incredibly recognizable. Even non-vocal lines feel familiar across song lines.
By the time the album gets to ‘Life’s What You Make Of It’ you may have thought you’ve heard the depth of the bands sound. This unique song, however, came out of left field – pushed along by tantalizing bass lines that are straight out of 90’s hip hop. Choir-like backing vocals support the minimalistic vocal lines. Between the funk inspired organ riffs, and vocal lines that contributed only when necessary, I think this was my favorite song on the album.
For a sophomore album, GOOFS manage to not only deepen and expand their sound, but do so in a way that is fun and enjoyable for the whole ~52minutes of music. Every song felt like it belonged and was highly curated. Night Church is a great experience for anybody who is lucky enough to listen to it. From powerhouse vocals, to a rhythm section that can find passion in any groove, there’s something for everyone.
