The post-punk resurgence in recent years has seen a wave of bands pushing the boundaries of the genre, blending punk rock’s grit with the brooding atmosphere of goth rock. Going Away Party’s “A Ride With Our Ghosts“ is a prime example of this dark fusion. Based in Brest, France, the band takes the listener on a haunting journey through a stark and cold sonic landscape. With six excellent tracks, this 12″ EP delivers a punch of atmospheric tension and melancholic melodies, offering a fresh yet familiar take on the post-punk sound. Going Away Party’s debut vinyl release is a significant step forward for a band that first grabbed attention with their 2019 demo. The EP showcases a refined sound, building on the foundation laid in their earlier work, but with a sharper focus on mood and tone. Each track on “A Ride With Our Ghosts” feels carefully crafted, with a sense of purpose and precision that reflects the band’s deep understanding of the genres they are working within. From the moment the needle hits the vinyl, it’s clear that Going Away Party draws from a wide range of influences, while still forging their own distinct identity.
Opening with a slow-burning post-punk guitar riff, the first track “At War” immediately sets the tone for the EP. The guitars are drenched in chorus and reverb, giving the music a sense of space and distance, while the bass drives the song forward with a steady, hypnotic rhythm. The vocals are delivered with detached coolness, echoing the disillusionment and existential angst that define much of post-punk’s lyrical themes. The atmosphere is thick with tension, creating a feeling of unease that lingers throughout the track. It’s a haunting introduction that perfectly encapsulates the cold, bleak environment that the band seems intent on exploring. The “Ghost Within” and “Sadly Related” come up next with their post-punk and goth rock ambiance blend lurking upfront. The guitars are more aggressive, with sharp, angular riffs cutting through the mix, while the drums maintain a driving, almost militaristic beat. There’s a sense of urgency in these tracks as if the band is racing against time, trying to outrun their ghosts. The choruses are catchy and haunting while feeling both immediate and timeless, drawing on the classic post-punk maneuvers while fresh, unique, and innovative.
One of the standout elements of “A Ride With Our Ghosts” is the way the band creates a tangible sense of tension throughout the EP. There’s a cold, almost mechanical quality to the music, but it’s balanced by a raw, emotional undercurrent that gives the songs depth and complexity. Tracks like “November Stain” and “Fright Nights” showcase this dynamic perfectly. The guitar work is icy and precise, while the bass and drums lock into a relentless groove that propels the song forward. The vocals, delivered in a haunting monotone, add to the sense of detachment, but there’s an unmistakable emotional weight to the lyrics. These tracks feel like it’s teetering on the edge, constantly building tension but never quite offering release. The EP closes with “Years And Years,” a slower, more introspective track that brings the album to a haunting conclusion. The song opens with a sparse, mournful guitar line, before gradually building into a sweeping, atmospheric crescendo. The vocals are more vulnerable here, with a sense of resignation that contrasts with the defiance found in earlier tracks. It’s a fitting end to an EP that explores so many themes. The final moments of the song fade into silence, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease, a fitting end to this dark, immersive journey.
While the EP is steeped in post-punk’s characteristic gloom, the band never sacrifices melody for atmosphere. Each track is built around memorable hooks and choruses that stick with the listener long after the record is over. The melodies are often subtle, buried beneath layers of chorus, reverb and distortion, but they are always present, giving the songs a sense of cohesion and structure. Production-wise, the EP is expertly crafted. Recorded and mixed by Jacky Cadiou in Brest and mastered by Will Killingworth at Dead Air Studios, the sound is crisp and clear, while still maintaining the raw, unpolished edge that gives the music its bite. The guitars shimmer and echo, the bass rumbles beneath the surface, and the drums hit with precision and power. Every element is perfectly balanced, allowing each instrument to shine without overpowering the others. The production enhances the mood of the songs, creating a soundscape that feels vast and expansive, yet claustrophobic at the same time. The artwork for A Ride With Our Ghosts, created by Joan Astarac, complements the music perfectly. The stark, black-and-white imagery reflects the cold, desolate atmosphere of the music, while also adding a layer of visual storytelling. The EP feels like a complete package, with the artwork and music working together to create a cohesive artistic statement.
“A Ride With Our Ghosts” is an impressive debut vinyl release. The band has managed to create a sound that feels fresh, innovative, and unique, drawing on the classic elements of post-punk, goth rock, and punk rock, while still forging their path. The EP is dark, brooding, and emotionally charged, offering a glimpse into a world of cold tension and melancholic beauty. It’s a record that demands repeated listens, with each track revealing new layers of depth and meaning. Head to Sabotage Records for more information about ordering.
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