CheekyChicago

When a band describes themselves as “an astro-party inside your ears”, it’s probably something worth listening to. Not that I know what an astro-party is, exactly, but New York-based band, Ghost of a Stranger, throws a damn fine one. They’re a mix of The Killers and Bloc Party – even so, it’s hard to categorize them.

Their debut release on independent label Veggie Co., Hers and Yours, is a nine-track long, feel good album. Though some might say that this is just an effort to show off influences – and to be honest, Ghost of a Stranger isn’t really reinventing the wheel here – I would counter that the band takes those influences and makes them better. For example, imagine if you could take the best qualities of all your ex-significant others and combine them into one new person. This is what Ghost of a Stranger does for your ears.

The album starts off with an adrenaline pumping one-minute instrumental intro (appropriately titled “Intro”) that definitely draws the listeners in and leaves them wanting more. For the most part, the songs are upbeat and poppy, and ones you might just find yourself toe-tapping or all-out dancing to (just make sure you’re alone). Lead singer Peter Torrey’s Brit-sounding vocals infuse and compliment the melodies of the band members – Adam Korbesmeyer (Guitar/Synth), Greg Gebhard (Bass) and Josh Martin (Drums) – on every song. These boys definitely have a cohesive, inspirational sound.

Lyrically, the band is absolutely relatable and at times, humorous. In “You Alone”, for example, Torrey sings, “You said you were allergic to any kind of pickup line / So I bet you one drink that I’d take you home that night.” One of the best songs on this album, both lyrically and musically, is “Fight It Out” – “Some days I love you / And some days you’re my biggest enemy / And I’ll try to save you / But you don’t need any saving, do you?” The best part? It’s also featured as a remix (the last song of the album – a great way to go out).

They’re touring the east coast this summer. Hopefully, the band will make their way to Chicago. Knowing how amazing they are, it kind of makes me long for the old days when bands would finance their own tour by jumping in a rented van. Check out their myspace for new tunes.