Call Upon The Author

When Brighton’s Ghost Of A Thousand released their debut album in 2007 they picked up plaudits left and right, appearing in Kerrang’s top albums of that year, as well as being labelled Best British Newcomer. They were touted by the likes of Rock Sound and Q too. Understandably then, the weight of expectation for this, their second release must be heavy indeed. Thankfully then, for this young hardcore band, the reviews thus far have been good. But we didn’t hear the first album and we haven’t been listening to they hype, so what do we think? Well, I was expecting some hard and heavy punk and these guys don’t disappoint, but they’re smart enough to add a few softer moments, all the better to knock you backwards when the volume is jacked back up. Admittedly, the band could well become repetitive, but they take a leaf out of the AC/DC rulebook and keep the album short and sweet. Check out the opening of ‘Neptune’, it’s the aural equivalent of being jumped on your way home at 3am, vicious, concussive and over before you realise quite what’s going on. Of course they’re going to be compared to Gallows, they both plough much the same furrow but you’re likely to fall into one camp or the other and the decision may well be made by your choice of front man. TGOAT’s vocalist Tom Lacey clearly grew up listening to a lot of metal albums whereas Frank Carter of Gallows may well be the second coming of John Lydon. Personally, I can’t stand the gurning idiot who stars in adverts for butter, so I’ll stick with these guys thanks all the same. I’d urge you to as well, you won’t be disappointed.