Even before the release of
Ghosty's first full-length album,
Grow Up or Sleep In in 2005, the band, which had begun as a partnership between songwriters Andrew Connor and Richard Gintowt, had splintered, and on this second album, Connor remains, organizing a new group around him. It is, thus, basically a one-man effort creatively, and Connor reveals himself to be a canny pop craftsman. His songs are set to engaging pop/rock arrangements, with bouncy beats and plenty of chiming guitar riffs over which he sings melodically in his steady mid-tenor. But the pop sound is something of a veneer. For one thing, the song structures are deceptively complex; they don't really have conventional choruses, despite being catchy. And an examination of the lyrics, conveniently printed in the CD booklet, reveals that Connor is using the pop sound to make some downcast, introspective observations. "Make It Easier" seems to be addressed to a former romantic partner who has spurned the singer, and "Junior Grows Up" may be intended to comment on President George W. Bush. But for the most part, the singer seems to be talking to himself while looking at the world with a caustic eye. From "Dumbo Wins Again" to "I Won't Be Stopped," he expresses dissatisfaction with society and himself, while grimly determining to carry on. It's easy to miss that message while enjoying the attractive music that surrounds it, and that is no doubt intended. ~ William Ruhlmann