Bristol-based Bottlemoth shimmer and shine on their glorious debut album, Even Us Ghosts. Having changed their name from Bridges to Bottlemoth after a band member left, their socials were hacked and tagged in photos of Bridges (helpful, I’m sure). A new focus and drive were born, and this wonderful collection of songs proves this being the correct move.
Even Us Ghosts is a wonderful exploration of life and all the intricate emotions and details that can get woven within it. Narrations of mental health, independence, love, and loss drive this debut album into a truly remarkable exploration.
Opening with ‘Landslides (People Change),’ there’s an immediate jump into delightful indie goodness. The harmonies leap out of the speakers. Opening tracks should always be able to set the tone of a record, and this song ticks all the boxes. You’re immediately drawn into Bottlemoth’s world.
‘Everything Works Out In The End’ follows with a gentle, hazy breeze. It reminds us that life can work out if we give it time: “If it’s not okay, it’s not the end……yet.” Having moved from Bristol to London, Ethan Proctor beautifully narrates such a huge move.
I sometimes think comparisons can be pretty lazy, but it is fair to say that the songwriting on Even Us Ghosts is influenced by Scott Hutchison (Frightened Rabbit, Mastersystem, Owl John). Scott’s ability, his legacy, if you will, was to write with such heartbreaking honesty that it often left you speechless. You can hear that through this record. I can hear the sounds of the latter-day Manchester Orchestra blending, too. Ethan said his favourite album by them is ‘Cope,’ so we really should be best friends.
‘Settle In’ is a gentle ballad with an incredibly catchy chorus. Again, the harmonies with Ethan and Chess singing together lift the song to a higher plain. ‘Where Oceans Swallow Your Skies’ is a true highlight of the record. “All the people you’ll ever need will be right here” is such a wonderful line; it shapes the song; you know you’ll have dark days but also moments of light. The fog will always lift.
‘Tattoo’ was one of the early singles and will become a signature tune for the band. The lyrics speak of having someone by your side in the darkest times. When you can’t see a way out, you’ll always have someone “Even Us Ghosts…..by your side, I’ll always be.”
‘You’ll Always Have Us’ feels like a blend of the aforementioned Frightened Rabbit and fellow Scots Wojtek The Bear. It’s a song full of love and support for friends and family. ‘Numb’ is one of the longer tracks on the record and one of my favourites. The intricate musicianship shines through on this song. As much as the lyrics are a huge pull into the world of Bottlemoth, it must be said that sounds flowing around the words bring them to life. At times gentle, then full of vigour, the self-production of this record is hugely impressive.
‘Hold Me Like You Know Me’ closes the record with more beautiful, gospel-like harmonies. It builds into something inspirational as the band comes together and flows with desire and delight.
Even Us Ghosts was written and produced by the band themselves. Joe Marsh recorded additional tracks at Orchard Studios, and Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Bess Atwell, Nova Twins, Cassia) mixed it. And as far as debut albums go, you’ll struggle to find better.
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