Holy Ghost – Welcome To Ignore Us
Label: Clearly Records
Style: Indie rock/pop
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: The Hives, The Strokes, B.R.M.C.


Many bands of the indie-rock persuasion fancy themselves elitists. Not to say that this isn’t a good thing, elitist rock can be all kinds of satisfying, especially if you identify strongly with John Cusack’s character in High Fidelity. However, if you are feeling a good unpretentious rawkin’ good time and are unable to break away from your indie roots, Holy Ghost’s new release Welcome to Ignore Us could be just the ticket.

“ At some point in the past 100 years, The Holy Ghost was formed. Some say it happened in Nebraska, others believe it all went down somewhere in between North Carolina and West Virginia. Even New York has been proclaimed as the mother of this bastard child. But it's an original American rock band, plain and simple.”

Above is Holy Ghost’s biography as seen on their website. Clearly, their demeanor is uncomplicated, devoid of the usual verboseness commonly found within band’s homepages. There is no step-by-step recount of the band’s grade school experience or drama during recording sessions; they are here to give you the music.

Luckily, the music is all one needs to enjoy Holy Ghost. A splendid blend of straight up NYC hipness and good nature, they’re not afraid to inject some randomness into their music. Like an oddly chosen accessory in a vintage apartment, Holy Ghost’s music is hardly what you call predictable. What’s great is that this feature is so unexpected (I’ll admit, it’s easy to judge a CD by its cover).

Welcome to Ignore Us opens with a particularly bouncy tune “Commercial,” which is complete with the expected hooks needed to draw in indie audiences. The song appears run-of-the-mill, and then leaps into drummer/vocalist AngelaWebster putting her own two cents into the song. The finished result is ineffably delightful, energetic and playful.

Rockin’ until the very last drop, it’s easy to become saucy and carefree when indie-hipsters tell you to “Shut up and Wait.” “Did I wear you out?” asks Holy Ghost. Yes, yes maybe a little, but it certainly was fun while it lasted.


Reviewed by: Rachel

Official Website: clearlyrecords.com