Ghost Note City
Miracle
The Tasmanian trio known as Ghost Note City consists of guitarist and vocalist Douglas Briton, drummer Nick Medcraft and bassist Josh K. They’ve been releasing music since 2019 and have over a dozen singles to their name. It would appear that it is headed by Briton, who’s spent some time in the UK honing his craft. Unfortunately, I don’t have any backstory or information on the great rhythm section that this band possesses (Nick and Josh), but it’s clear that the three of them have formed a special musical bond and know exactly how to extract it. Here’s our review of their latest single, “Miracle.”
Track starts in C minor with a heavy groove - sounds like they’re using 7 strings and 5 strings . Production is crisp and current and the drum tones are spot on. The riff that sets up the verse is a blazer, and it’s nicely complimented with a great synth line that pulls from the higher register. Love the chord drop down into the first verse and the chord progression employed under the melody - nice mixed use of major and minor chords under a smart melody with great vocals from Douglas. It’s obvious he’s got the vocal chops to pull off this genre. I also really appreciate the quick break before the chorus - a subtle set up that lets you know you’re about to hear a new section - great production and writing there.
When the first chorus drops we get a clear separation from the first verse - well done. There’s a change in the melody delivery and do a great job in stretching out the phrases to create even further separation in sections. Again, have to comment on their chord choice - great job with finishing the section on a major chord - nice twist and it matches the theme of the lyrics. We get a little bit of the intro groove before the second verse smacks us upside the head again. Everything about this production is spectacular. There’s perfect separation in the mix, the snare tone is beautiful and all the stringed instruments are heavy but don’t get in the way. On top of all that is the vocals and their relationship to the mix - this is absolutely top tier in production, and songwriting. They reference Thrice and Silverchair as inspirations - and this sounds just as good. It’s not grunge, it’s not metal, it’s just damn good rock with some exceptional arrangements.
With most songs it’s important to keep building layers and amp up the second verse and chorus just enough to keep building energy. It’s a tricky thing because you can easily add too much (and most bands do, thereby ruining the song). The do that here quite well and lead us into a great breakdown and instrumental section after the second chorus that is filled with just the right amount of heavy riffs and breaks. There’s plenty of opportunity to overdo it here and they keep it under control. Love the different approach of the third chorus and how they completely change the feel of the outro by switching up the groove - this would be great to see live.
Make sure you scroll down to pick up their other great tracks. The riff for “Wait and See” is fantastic, and you’ll love the separation they create in the first verse. “Way Too Far” from their 2019 EP is a nice departure in feel with a clean guitar intro but that first chorus is going to crush your skull. These dudes know what they are doing and have dialed in a great sound. Here’s hoping that "Miracle” will get them the exposure they deserve - their work is good enough to be played anywhere in the world.
Check it out now!