Love Ghost – Haunted House (2023)
When we last heard US group Love Ghost, they were slipping back to the realm of 90s grunge in the single ‘Payback’. Following the brash pop-punk bite of ‘Veneno’, this step back to mellifluous slowness with a sense of soothing is both a relief and showcases the versatility of Love Ghost. Do not by any means assume their exploration of the grittier side of humanity has disappeared. In fact, ‘Payback’ has a bite of vulnerability and malice as it touched on revenge and redemption. In ‘Haunted House’, we get even closer to the complexities of human existence.
With vocalist Finnegan Bell currently in Mexico writing and recording with various Latin artists, Love Ghost brings a new twist to their more recent collaborative singles. ‘Veneno’ featured Mexican rocker Blnko, and ‘Haunted House’ features the stylings of Mexican artist FLVCKKA. Produced with Latin Grammy nominee BrunOG, ‘Haunted House’ picks up the pace by fusing Love Ghost’s pop-punk/alternative rock sound with FLVCKKA’s emo-rap vocal gymnastics.
Using BrunOG’s bold beats in the arrangement, ‘Haunted House’ has a firm staccato driving the melody. Puncturing but also defining the rhythm, the electronic pounding sets the stage for a heart-pumping, gut-wrenching sound. Beautifully layered, Finnegan Bell’s rich vocals slide atop the intriguing foundation traipsing from a flowing mellowness to biting brashness.
What I find interesting is not how Bell’s vocals elegantly find that slice of mellow brashness nor BrunOG aligning his beats with our hearts. It is the way the rock tone melds with FLVCKKA’s almost hip-hop contribution. Coming in with a powerful rap in her warm voice, another dimension is added to ‘Haunted House’; even more so with the inclusion of both English and Spanish lyrics giving the track an extra edge.
Described as a “cool, underground anthem for alt kids”, Love Ghost continues to release their “music for the misfits”. With a beautifully structured melody, you can hear the cohesiveness of all elements in an exquisite tune. Yet, just as the song is sophisticated in its production, a raw and almost palpable grittiness can be felt in ‘Haunted House’.
Find out more about Love Ghost on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
Find out more about FLVCKKA on her Instagram and Spotify.
Find out more about BrunOG on his Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
