Back in October 2014, London based horn infused melodic punks Ghouls released their excellent ‘Great Expectations’ EP. Each track saw them advance upon their previously released material, finding their comfort in their ska-tinged (although certainly not ska) hooks.
Having spent the end of year playing various shows across the country, the band are now gearing up to take 2015 by storm. Ghouls will be back on the road (dates to be confirmed), showcasing the songs from ‘Great Expectations’ to wider audiences.
As they prepare to move into the new year, the band are providing a new look at their four track EP. Read what the band had to say about the record below, and stream the record using the Spotify player to the right.
‘Great Expectation’
Great Expectations is a song about that time in a relationship where you and the other person are just at each other all the time, the relationship has almost run its cause but you hold on because you’re not sure what else to do. When you argue you just apologise but only because you’re fed up of arguing but at the same time you’re worried about what is going to happen because of the time and effort you’ve invested into it. I have been in this situation so it’s written from experience but it was when a friend explained the situation between him and his girlfriend that I started writing it.
‘Nice To Know You’
This song is written about when a relationship or a friendship ends abruptly. Little to your knowing the other person felt there was a problem between the two of you when you had no idea and out of nowhere that person is no longer the person they used to be to you. If you see them, it’s just awkward and weird despite you both knowing you’re the same people. It’s a situation I’ve found myself in, perhaps a few too many times.
‘Gone Fishing’
When I was 17, on a random summer day, a friend and me decided we’d go down to the river near where I lived at the time and attempt to catch a fish. We literally had no equipment, we didn’t have any bait, it was just a completely hopeless attempt yet I remember we kept saying that we would catch a fish and we kept talking about how good it would be if we did. 5-6 years on and I no longer live in that area, I no longer talk to that friend and when I’m going through these ‘adult’ days I just miss those times.
When I was younger I used to worry a lot, thinking I should be doing more, that I should be focusing on a career or focusing on writing more songs and doing school work. Days like the fishing day would always feel like a waste of time, but looking back they were exactly what we should have been doing. Just wasting time, being innocent kids, having fun.
‘Being Me’
I wrote this song literally the day we got back from our tour of Belgium, it was the Monday after the Reading & Leeds Festival weekend. I was watching the TV highlights and Mallory Knox were playing to thousands of people in the NME/Radio 1 tent. I grew up in the same area as the guys in that band and my old band used to play with bands they were all in when we were younger.
I was watching and couldn’t help but feel slightly envious of them but then I sat there reflecting on how good my weekend had been touring squat parties in Belgium with some of my good friends and I just had the realisation that in the end of it all, I guess it doesn’t matter that I’m not playing the big festivals, as long as I’m having a good time and I’m making good memories that’s what will count in the end. Being me is about enjoying just being you and not worrying to much about everyone else and what they’re doing. Do what makes you happy, focus on the little things, spend your time with people you enjoy spending time with.
For more on Ghouls, check out their official Facebook page.