It’s a nice feeling after you sift through all the monotonous rubble of rock music out there and you find that shiny little pebble of talent. The boys of Ghost of Gloria shine brighter than the majority of meager talent we see today. Their debut EP Voices from the Red Room is an insightful fusion of rock and alternative that leaves you craving more. Ghost of Gloria are more than ready to blow us away with a full length album because seven songs just aren’t enough. Their sound immediately made me think of a cross between Australian rockers Sick Puppies and Foo Fighters —making for a lethal hard rock sound with an addicting pop-like catchiness. Voices from the Red Room begins with “The Evidence” which has ‘first single material’ written all over it. It only took me three listens before I was hooked and singing along with the chorus, “I don’t think I can fight anymore with your arrogance, lack of self control / I don’t want to give into the signs of your empathy and I fear of what might unfold.”

“Better Off Alone” is filled with a more brutal anger as lead singer John D’Angelo screams “I’m not changing nothing for you!” Dark riffs and drumming in the verses are balanced by the lighter edge of the chorus. The demons of past relationships become the essence and the life force behind the EP. Pain and negativity have a way of blossoming into the most beautiful artistic creations. “Selfish Nights” is an adrenaline rush of fast paced gritty rock. The song opens with rapid guitars and bass and sounds remarkably like the beginning of Sick Puppies’ “Cancer.” It’s not exactly the same, because I checked, but it’s nevertheless an enriching and dynamic sound.

Ghost of Gloria take a detour from the harsher sound and angry lyrics to give us an empowering song titled “Fight.” It’s definitely not that typical love ballad you always hear on albums today. Instead we hear a more gentle side as D’Angelo gives us encouraging words, “Now I need you to stand and fight / I don’t think I can pick you up again / So I hope that you do what’s right / I need you now to stand up and fight.” The more serene take on this track and the vocal style reminds me of Lifehouse. The song is endearing but it still has that alternative bite to it.
Voices from the Red Room ends with another intensely paced song “A Perfect Distraction.” You can’t go wrong starting a song off with a guitar wailing solo. Ghost of Gloria give it their all on this song —tight drumming, invigorating guitars, and impassioned vocals. D’Angelo’s scream at the end couldn’t be more well suited. This song is the perfect end to this energized and jolted EP. Ghost of Gloria are filled with such vitality and fervor. They are a band I need to hear more of and all I can do is pray they release a full album sooner rather than later. In the meantime, these 7 amazing songs will have to suffice.

Must listen to tracks: “The Evidence,” “Selfish Nights,” and “A Perfect Distraction”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen You can read more about Kristen at her new website http://beerenlightenment.wordpress.com/

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