My Own Ghost – Shadow People
Release Date: 14th October 2022
Label: Massacre Records
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Genre: Modern Hard Rock, Metal, Pop, Electro, Industrial Metal.
FFO: All About Eve, Elyose, Sick N Beautiful, 80s, Sci-Fi.
Review By: Mark Waight
Every now and then an album comes along that is refreshing and new. Shadow People by My Own Ghost is one of those albums.
Shadow People is a modern hard rock album with more than a nod to the 80s, yet at the same time delivering a fresh new sound that is sweet candy for your ears. There is also plenty for fans of sci-fi and industrial metal to enjoy here, too. Shadow People is the bands third album and clearly shows the progress towards creating their very own unique sound. This is not a concept album; it is a collection of songs that fit together nicely to form a very pleasurable listen. My Own Ghost is Julie Rodesch (vocals), David Soppelsa (guitar), Joe May (bass) and Michael Stein (drums).
The album begins with a short intro, 10-97 Downtown, which links smoothly into Decaden City, a fast-paced song with a very vibrant modern feel, that perfectly sets the tone for the album. The Sci-Fi sounds of Jet Black Heartbreak lead us into a wonderfully catchy sing-along tune, with some great hard rock riffs and well-placed key changes!
Between Now and the End is a heavier song, with fantastic vocal harmonies and an industrial metal slant to the musical arrangement. Regrets From the Past brings down the tempo a touch, and shows the bands softer side. It’d be a comfortable fit with many modern country songs that are around the scene.
Number 2110 uses some clever sound effects to change pace several times throughout, and creates a very up-tempo track to get you bouncing. Remember is a gorgeous offering with a superbly understated backing track that further enhances the harmonious, crystal-clear vocals of Julie Rodesch. Shadow in Your Room is brilliantly retro, with its dark riffing, haunting vocals and superb 80s style guitar playing – a lovely dose of nostalgia!
Black Rose Motel hits a groove, bringing the bands more metal side to the forefront. It’s a song that’s guaranteed to get your pulse racing and your fist pumping, with some awesome fills from drummer Michael Stein! Home continues the retro theme; the vocals are angelic, and the guitars are completely mesmerising, while Dark River hammers out a pulsating beat and contains the best guitar solo on the album.
Somebody Else’s Sky is deeply rich in sound with several layers, creating a fantastic and atmospheric image for the listener. It blends perfectly into the final track, Nightdrive, which instantly revs up to high speed, takes you on a blistering musical journey and finishes with a bang!
Shadow People by My Own Ghost is a great listen; full of well executed melodic vocals, slick guitar playing, and although the lyrics are often dark, the delivery is very uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable.
(4 / 5)
