The mysterious name of Ghost Woman is the moniker of Evan Uschenko – a musician that you might be familiar with if you have seen King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard or The Mild High Club live. As a touring musician, the artist has shared the stage with many namely artists and is now embarking on his solo career. The band name Ghost Woman inspired by a George Carter song called Ghost Woman Blues. As Ghost Woman, Uschenko assembled a live band of local friends and musicians around him, and will embark on a first EU tour after the release of the self-titled debut record out July 1st.
In the manner of the bands he toured with, the neo-psychedelic twang of Uschenko’s guitar justifies the retro name. Like a chilled version of garage rock, the guitar and the vocals almost melt into one and are driven by warm lo-fi hooks. But it is not only the sound that roots the band in the traditions of laid back psych rock, the album cover’s rainbow illustration reminds of Pink Floyd‘s seminal record Dark Side of the Moon. “It was not intentional”, Uschenko says. “But I do love Pink Floyd and was raised on that album. The artwork was created by a fantastic London-based operation called ’10 Years Time’.”
Dark Melancholia
The cover of the album is mirrored by the gloomy vibe of the songs. The musician who usually plays with other bands wrote the songs in solitude, he explains. “I am fascinated with mental health and the dark side of humankind. I tap into those topics when I write.” Ghost Woman finds a mode of expression that strikes that beautiful balance between melancholic psychedelica and rock driven euphoria. Inspired by a wide range of music, Uschenko crafts his unique style of musical expression and sets a mark with the debut.
Its musical and lyrical nuance shows on All the Time, which the singer describes as “a step away from the angry music” he was writing. It finds weight not in noise but in depth of the arrangements. “It was written quickly and from the heart“. The warm fuzzy riffs of the composition evoke sun-washed postcards in sepia colors and encapsulate the sound that Ghost Woman create.
Every Monday the treasure hunt squad from the NBHAP staff is bringing an exciting new artist to your attention along with a 30-track-strong Introducing Playlist over on Spotify as we add ten strong songs by fresh acts on top of it. Feel invited to follow the playlist and give these talents a good spin.
This week’s picks include brand new music from artists like Sofia Bolt, Astrel K, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Come and hit the play button.