New music may come out of Fridays now, but Noah Gundersen’s Carry The Ghost is more of a weekend soundtrack for the lonely. Those familiar with Gundersen are acquainted with the moody, emotional and somber nature of his music. Carry The Ghost isn’t exactly what one would consider “easy listening.” The 13 tracks are beyond skin deep; they are subterranean. He is the kind of artist that withdraws profound questions and relates to his audience.
Most of the songs are intensely vulnerable including “Selfish Art,” which reflects his career as a musician and making music for himself. He expresses that sometimes he doesn’t feel like anybody important, but he continues to write music for broken people. The finger picking fades out with one of the best lines on the album, “There’s nothing more sincere than who we are.”
Whether you have been in a recent breakup or not, Gundersen has the power to make you feel heartbroken, which some of his best material comes from. “I Need a Woman” is a desperate plea for a companion. It is a confession, maybe even a difficult one. Gundersen softly sings, “I need a woman, it’s sad but true.” The harmonies are beautifully woven with a woman singing alongside him during the despairing chorus.
Rightfully chosen as the single, “Jealous Love” is certainly the catchiest track on this album and instantly stands out. Sometimes 13 tracks can feel like a lot to get through, especially if the entire album is of the melancholic variety. Carry The Ghost is also available as a 16 track deluxe edition, which is a little intense. The intro in “Jealous Love” is notable because it has a quicker tempo with a melody that doesn’t feel so heavy. There is a sense of longing but also a sense of hope. Gundersen isn’t a total pessimist after all.
Questioning his faith is a common subject is his lyrics. “Empty From The Start” expresses the concerns he has with God due to the depressing state of the world, even mentioning the tragedy seen on the daily news. Mournful and dreary, the song expresses emptiness and desperation. “There’s nothing you can do, honey that can save me.” He is very set in his ways, but goes on to sing, “The only thing worth more than loving me is loving you.”
Gundersen is an old soul. He is an eloquent, passionate storyteller who refuses to hold anything back in his art. Sometimes his lyrics can be heavier than light, but as he declares in “Selfish Art,” he writes songs for broken people. Music is his way of letting people know they aren’t alone.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended Tracks: “Slow Dancer” & “Jealous Love”
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