GHOSTS OF EDEN – THE KLUB 45 ROOM, NY – 22nd April 2011

This is probably one of the tougher gig reviews I have written for the simple reason that I am friends with lead singer and rhythm guitar player, Tom Pino. Having worked with him for a year or so at MTV and valuing him as one of the good guys, I have also developed an appreciation for his bands raw enthusiasm and music. Having recently reviewed a soul singer and now with ‘Ghosts of Eden’ who are a tad more rock than I would usually go for, I hope I am proving to be open to various different musical leanings.

I have seen ‘Ghosts of Eden’ many times before in landmark NY venues such as Arlene’s Grocery, Delancey, Gramercy Theatre, Irving Plaza, Crash Mansion and others. They have also played more intimate venues like, The Mercury Lounge and Highline Ballroom. Formed in 2008 and having being playing live in NY and surrounding states for only the past year or so, GOE have really kicked things up a gear or two. For me, they have improved markedly over the past few years…tighter than ever and Pino’s vocals have only gotten stronger and better.

Having released a four song EP early last year, the band are currently working tirelessly on cutting a new album which is slated for release in July of this year. The band clearly have songwriting capabilities with some fantastic rock songs in their arsenal including the likes of ‘Heartbreak Crutch’ and ‘Eliot Ness’ from debut EP, ‘Ignorance and Lies’.

This show was at a venue that I had never attended before, Klub 45 near Times Square. It was a fairly short set for GOE compared to other shows due to a few other acts playing the venue on the same night.

Starting out with ‘In Motion’ and seemingly having some troubles with the sound, those issues did not reverberate to the crowd. This was a pulsating track expertly delivered by the front man who really does have some stage presence. Some of my friends who were seeing the Ghosts for the first time were taken aback by the strength and harshness of his vocals. We are then introduced to a few tunes that will feature on the new album, the first offering in the shape of, ‘Sell My Skin’. This tune hosts the kind of clever, catchy guitar riffs that are somewhat synonymous with GOE. It’s easy to fathom that ‘Smashing Pumpkins’, ‘Foo Fighters’ and ‘Pearl Jam’ are among this self proclaimed, Velvet Grunge bands inspiration. Next up and one I thoroughly enjoyed the sound of was ‘Halo’…a little different from the Beyonce version and different in a good way. This is gentler and a little more balladry than some other GOE tunes, but probably more in line with my range of preference. 

‘Dear Mary’ begins with a really great riff by lead guitar, Rich, the baby face of the band who always looks cool calm and collected. The riff has me casting my mind back to Fleetwood Mac’s, ‘The Chain’ and Rolling Stones, ‘Gimme Shelter’. I mean, not quite up to those classics, but it does get me. I love the “tell me what to do, tell me what to say…” chorus with drummer Benny harmonizing wonderfully in the background. ‘Even Violence’ by title and by nature brings the Ghosts back to their heavy rock sound with Benny doing a fantastic job on the cans…he’s no slouch with those quick fire hands and really seems to enjoy what he’s doing. He was barely visible at the back of the stage in this arena, but his good work came across loud and clear.

Taking us home on their set was, ‘Unraveled’ also from the forthcoming release, has a wonderful chorus line culminating in “sink my teeth right in to you”. Bass player, Miles is more animated than ever on this track. Perhaps sometimes overcooking it with his body sways and facial expressions. That said, the boy can play bass and these visible emotions highlight that he is completely immersed in the music (and why not?). ‘Heartbreak Crutch’ has long been a mainstay in Ghosts’ sets of the past and it’s a solid one to end with. Brilliant lyrics and and an almost anthemic rock tune. The band often close with Mrs ScoAustin’s favourite, ‘Eliot Ness’, but were limited on time on this occasion, so I had to sing it to her in the cab on our way home (not sure I done it justice).

Despite it not generally being my genre of choice, these guys rock and rock hard. I am in on the Ghosts of Eden and recommend that you dedicate a little time to them too. Rating 7/10

Set List:

In Motion (new album)
Sell My Skin (new album)
Dear Mary (new album)
Halo (new album)
Even Violence (debut EP)
Unraveled (new album)
Heartbreak Crutch (debut EP)

* hear more on their website - http://ghostsofeden.com/songs

I was able to attain a few words from the band on their forthcoming album release:

We are back at Big Blue Meenie Studios (Rage Against the Machine, INXS, Helmet, Taking Back Sunday, Thursday, etc.) working on our follow up to 'Ignorance and Lies'. We are producing the record ourselves again but we are taking a little more time to make it sound bigger and better than the first record. Time and money are always a concern but we're aiming to get it out in time for a July Record Release party in NYC. Luckily, we are raising money to help fund the production and manufacturing of the new record - http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/goe/the-ghosts-of-eden-family-makes-a-new-album. I think the big difference between this new record and the last is its focus. There is definitely a theme of some sort and we feel the songwriting and messages these songs convey will generate a bigger response because there is more substance to relate to.