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New-Noise.net: History CD Review

posted Apr 9th 2008, 01:02

History - Ghosts In The City

by Jennifer Perkin

New-Noise.net

Indie punk with warmth and edge

"It’s a great sound they have. The keyboard and flute that back up vocalist Melissa Parker brings to the band gives them a warm edge that offsets the stark riffs underpinning the record."

We can’t think of another band that comes from Orlando, Florida but going by what we know of the city History do not sound like they come from there. Their music is miles from the tacky theme parks and malls of their hometown, and instead has an undercurrent of menace and bleak urbanity. Their spiritual home just might be Washington DC, as their slightly off kilter and melodic take on punk is very much in line with the Dischord style.

It’s a great sound they have. The keyboard and flute that back up vocalist Melissa Parker brings to the band gives them a warm edge that offsets the stark riffs underpinning the record. Along with that, the jazzy and unpredictable drumming is the key to their sound and at their best they are as good as their primary influence, Fugazi. Opener ‘Oh Shit It’s A Heart Attack’ is a bold statement; claustrophobic, explosive and tight it’s a brilliant example of the band meeting their potential. However next track ‘BMK and the Valley of Bats’ is noticeably weaker – vocalist Matt Caron strains to wail beyond his ability and the song could do with an edit.  On ‘Blue Khaki Dance Party’ the keys and vocoder are at the fore and the result is a bit like At the Drive in meets Air – a compelling combination. 'It's Ladies Night Somewhere' is another highlight.

While at its best it’s great, on the whole the album lacks the attention to detail and songwriting prowess to be truly essential. Perhaps it’s a little too indie for it’s own good – but if your ears are accustomed to music that’s a little rough around the edges you probably won’t mind and you’ll find them to be well worth your time.