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GHOST PARTICLES – North Central
(2024 Artisanal Records)
You can find North Central at the band’s website or at:
B-Side Records
Live Shows
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“Ghost particles” are neutrinos, which are subatomic particles that are difficult to study because they rarely interact with matter.
Well, this may be the scientific definition but one that surely doesn’t apply to this group of veteran Madison musicians consisting of: Phil Davis (lead vocals, guitars) Dave Benton (electric guitars, backing vocals) Lee Laski (drums, backing vocals) Joel Tappero (bass guitar) Don Irwin (keyboards and piano) and Pauli Ryan (percussion). Spooner, Fire Town and the Emperors of Wyoming are three of the bands associated with these respectable stalwarts that are more widely known, particularly due to their relationship with another legend, Butch Vig. But check some of these other bands that have a ghostly history with this one: Buzz Gunderson, First Person, Stavin’ Chain, The Rousers and The Water Dogs. If you’ve spent any amount of time here at all you understand the weight that all those names bring to bear. That’s a lot of pressure on Ghost Particles but they take it in stride, insisting on a musical path that is not just their own but veers from musical styles related to those memorable bands without abandoning them. And the list is probably not complete. For Christ’s sake is there a band that Pauli Ryan hasn’t been a part of or at least sat in with?
All that aside, Ghost Particles is largely down to Davis who wrote or co-wrote all ten of the album’s songs and handles all the lead vocals. This is their second album, the first eponymous recording was released in 2022 after COVID derailed their plans just after forming in 2019. Davis wrote all those songs as well so he’s been on a writing roll.
The sound is very good, the record being mixed in Minneapolis by Soul Asylum bassist Jeremy Tappero. The bottom end is responsive as might be expected. The recording process seems to follow a similar formula to the first in that it was recorded in multiple studios. This does cause some unevenness but not overly so.
It is difficult to separate the Ghost Particles sound from Spooner and Fire Town because of Benton’s distinct guitar tones and Davis’s vocals as he sang in Fire Town, but also his timbre is reminiscent of Spooner’s Doug (Duke) Erikson. Both singers have a curious Dylan-esque midwestern drawl to the delivery though Davis’s is more pronounced. However, the band steers more toward Tom Petty territory with a Wilco/Americana edge. At times some Springsteen sentiment seeps in as well.
The standout track is “Find My Way.” As the penultimate track, it brings a noticeable urgency to the eight preceding tracks of deliberate, mid-tempo feel. Davis brings a welcome higher level of energy to the vocal. Benton’s guitars sing out in that distinctive distorted chordal jangle. The tempo is quicker, more sprightful. Electric twelve-string sounds and strong vocal blending bring excitement to the outro. Killer.
Benton’s tasteful lines and solos bring life to the tracks, many of which have similar chords and progressions. There is some sameness to the album; every song is in four, for example and the tempos are comparable. These things fade once the songs take hold.
Davis’s strongest suit is his penchant for melody and phrasing and there is ample supply. “All Gone Now” is a great song with a memorable, sing-along melody. “Save the Ashes” is solid, leading the album off and indicating what largely follows: electrified folk-rock with stinging guitar solos and washing keys sprinkled with piano. Irwin’s keys are effective throughout and succeed in bringing mood without being too dominant. This may be where the Springsteen feel resides. “Drinking Man’s Town” is distinctively Petty-like with great guitar lines but begs for a slightly quicker tempo. If the star-power wasn’t high enough, Beth Kille was recruited to add backing vocals to “Oblivious.” Benton’s flange effect is effectual while the drum sound is especially tight. Irwin’s keyboard washes are critical to the mood. Nice tune.
“Last Call” departs somewhat in mood with a heavy bass line, cleaner guitar tones and keys more to the fore. Similarly, “What Remains,” which the band describes as “a minimalist nod to the Velvet Underground” succeeds in that regard. Here Davis’s vocal is its most sincere. There is melancholy and shades of Sonic Youth in a repetitive guitar figure that takes the tune out. “I’m Your Man” is another winner with a slightly different feel to it.
North Central is a grower. It sounds better with each listen, new adornments in the arrangements suggest themselves in interesting ways. It may seem reserved on first blush but there is a power to the songs that worms its way into the brain. A different song will become the favorite with each visit. In Madison’s rich history of class acts, Ghost Particles is right up there with the coolest and North Central is practically a shoe-in for album of the year.
