The Ghost Ease, “RAW” Album Review

By: Andrew Wilcox

Music Reviewer

Artist: The Ghost Ease

Album: RAW

Release Date: 9/4/15

Label: K Records

There is something about women rock singers that really attract people to their music. The Ghost Ease is one such girl group, out of Portland, OR. If you are looking for dreamy guitar lines and driving rhythm section, complete with a fantastic singer with a massive range, go no further than the Ghost Eases new record RAW.

Sounding similar to a PJ Harvey, or even Courtney Barnett from recent times, Jem Marie (lead singer/guitar) weaves dreamy vocals with intricate guitar lines to make what the group refers to as “heavy dreamscapes.” On bass, Laurence Vidal provides a strong counter-point to Jem Marie’s guitar lines. Nsayi Matingou contributes inventive drum accompaniment that keeps the listener engaged.

Each band member has said groups like The Breeders and Nirvana influenced them, which must have been really cool for them considering that Steve Fisk, who produced Nirvana’s 1989 EP Blew produced The Ghost Ease’s new record RAW which is an appropriate name for these emotionally charged and sparsely arranged songs. They will be playing in Austin, October 25th at Cheer Up Charlies.

Recommended Tracks – “RAW”, “PJM”, “Twelve Twenty”, “4BV”