Iann Brennan – Ghosts (2025)
Over the past year – 2024 that is – I have been introduced to numerous Irish artists taking me through the realms of indie-rock, funk, folk and pop. Oozing with Irish charm, each brings a grin to my face; however, Iann Brennan is the most charming urging me to smile, sing and twirl about with that “this is awesome” feeling. Following a year of well-received releases, powerful performances, and turning heads internationally, Brennan wiggles into our ears with his single, ‘Ghosts’.
In our review of Brennan’s single ‘Can We Let It Go?’, the singer-songwriter breathed life into a wistful, somewhat playful indie-folk tune. Capturing the theme of reflection, Brennan is eager to explore the dark and light sides of life – and he does this once again in ‘Ghosts’. Produced with Ray Traynor, ‘Ghosts’ is a symphonic blend of clipped folk, classical and indie-rock. Sprinkled with kaleidoscopic fairy dust, the track brims with sophisticated elegance, yet amidst the melody, biting vulnerability offers a poignant but sincere sentimentality.
Just as the production fuses smart soothing and crisp curtness, ‘Ghosts’ is complex with an opening simplicity wavering into kaleidoscopic intricacies. Combining a heartfelt piano with soaring guitars, pulsating but veiled drums, and a strong string section, ‘Ghosts’ evokes the haunting of profound ballads with a charming light-heartedness.
Melodically, the track is symphonic; however, it is the lyricism that captures the emotional sonic tendrils making them powerful, intimate and soul-stirring. Iann Brennan explains:
“’Ghosts’ is about that feeling of losing a loved one who you were close with and if you could spend just one more day with them, what would you do or say? It’s an emotional song and it means very much to me.”
In addition to the single, Iann Brennan released an official music video for ‘Ghosts’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel. Please note this video uses lighting effects that may trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Find out more about Iann Brennan on his X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
Listen to more indie-rock on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist: