Singer/songwriter Blaine Vogt has been the frontman of many bands, but he's currently pursuing a solo musical journey. And on My Lying Ghosts, he demonstrates that his musical talent is sufficiently multi-faceted to deliver what sounds like a full band effort. This ten-track alt-rock/folk offering opens with an electrifying self-titled track “My Lying Ghosts” that delivers a catchy earworm of an electric guitar riff -- I can still hear it in my head now. There's a classic country/folk essence to the guitar instrumentation, and Vogt's voice reminds me of classic pop/rock singers such as Cat Stevens. There's a silky-smooth quality to his vocals, and it pairs wonderfully with the laidback, upbeat instrumentation.
But that's only one side of Blaine Vogt, and the second track, "Out of Reach,” makes that abundantly clear. There's a Beatles-esque quality to the vibrant, upbeat electric guitar power chords and the punchy drum beat. Vogt's harmonized vocals are also intoxicating. The chorus, in particular, sticks in my head -- "Someone help me / Can you hear me? / I'm too far out of reach.” It's a roaring, uplifting, feel-good track, in spite of the lyrics seeming bleak. And then there's a track like "Look Like Me” which opens with sliding, smooth lead electric guitar. Clean electric guitar and tender, heartfelt singing dominate the verses, but it's really that lead guitar hook which makes the song. I do really enjoy the breakdown towards the end of the song -- the chord and vocal switch-up keeps the melody fresh, just when I thought the structure of the song might be fated to repeat tirelessly. Vogt has a way of taking chord progressions and turning them into something really unexpected and intriguing. Love this song. Of course, for me, rock music is my biggest passion. That's why songs like "Out of Reach" and "Nowhere to Run" are my favorites on the album. The latter has some absolutely scorching vocals from Vogt. After hearing his softer, delicate singing throughout the majority of the album, I was pleasantly surprised by this guttural, raucous outburst. Combine that with sizzling, distorted electric guitar riffs, and you've got "Nowhere to Run" -- an electrifying, fast-paced, rock banger. And it leads into "Too Many Souls,” the jovial, fun closer which felt like a complete curveball after the penultimate track's slightly moody, heavy energy. But again, Vogt always likes to keep listeners guesting on this record. That's what kept it enjoyable for me throughout. My Lying Ghosts was a great listen.
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