Ghostbird

By A. Chow

Never judge a book by its cover. We all know better, so why do we keep doing it? And yes I’m guilty of it too. Unfortunately so much today is based on appearance and image – hey Disney can sell millions on creating the Hannah Montanas’ of the world – but surprise rockers Ghostbird are not at all what you would expect.

Indie rock you say? Those two words usually conjure up a couple basic music types – the geek chic, or the hardcore over the top rock star persona who has a fondness for the middle finger and words that start with f. With musical artists being so attuned to stylistic tailoring, it came as a shock to discover that the Ghostbird duo look nothing like rock stars. But instead well-groomed movie stars.

Lucky enough I got the disc before I checked out the band's website. Otherwise my skepticism would have been sky high and this review could have turned sour. My love/hate relationship with beauty and aesthetics ensue.

Clean cut with Californian surfer good looks, what could vocalist Trent Hancock and drummer Mike Cooper have to offer? The duo make up the indie rock group Ghostbird from San Diego, filled with lullaby-esque guitar rhythms and flowing singsong vocals. They debut with their seven track self-titled EP, making a splash with their eclectic style. Ranging from the Panic at the Disco styled Coraline to the dramatic The Drug, right to the epic and absolute highlight, Night Kills Day.

They kick off their EP with the single Toy Soldier, a mix of electronica, pounding drums and lyrics smartly underlined with an anti-war sentiment. Female vocals enhance the catchy chorus and add to the satirical quirky sound. The EP is bookended with both an album version and video version of Toy Soldier, but the meat of this sandwich is infused with striking melodies, poetic lyrics and emotional percussion performances.

So eat up. Eat up I say.

Release Date: July 1, 2009