Review: All Souls ‘Ghosts Among Us’

Los Angeles based All Souls started out in late 2016 and over the past six years have continued to both mystify and amaze with an ever-widening spectrum of musical genres they traverse on their ever-evolving journey. The band have progressed from playing local gigs to performing in theatres and arenas as they’ve been personally selected to tour with Tool, The Jesus Lizard, Melvins and Meat Puppets. With artwork on limited editions of their Self -Titled debut having been provided by none other Kat Von D, All Souls preach from the gutter but call for the stars.

All Souls 'Ghosts Among Us'

The now trio consists of Tony Tornay (Fatso Jetson/Desert Sessions) on drums Antonio Aguilar (Totimoshi) on guitar/vocals and Meg Castellanos (Totimoshi) on bass/vocals, All Souls show that with their new album, Ghosts Among Us, they continue on their ever-heightening assent as a fundamental multi-genre hard rock driven act with desert rock heritage.

Ghosts Among Us provides an infusion of band’s unique blend of musical genres including Spanish flavoured guitar, Latino swing, hardcore punk, desert chill and galvanised with hard rock and tinge of stoner flavourings. It feels like a landmark record for the band beyond the established Self-Titled debut and second record, Songs For The End Of The World, which was released to little fanfare during Covid lockdowns in 2020.

they continue on their ever-heightening assent as a fundamental multi-genre hard rock driven act with desert rock heritage…

One of the truly most exciting things about this record is how it provides such a musical range and reach, yet it is all coated in a recognisable tone and feel of All Souls. You really get a sense that the band are destined for greatness as they pass the ‘instantly recognisable’ tone test that associates an artist with their work. This hauntingly familiar vibe is consistent through the album and binds it together into a cohesive body of work.

Highlights include the upbeat and rolling Who Holds The Answer that first made an appearance on the Live From Total Annihilation split with fellow Californian cult desert act Fatso Jetson. Delivering on estranged heavier version of a ‘90s Radiohead Majorie provides a swing feel and intricate bass and guitar performance that entwines seamlessly with the vocal performance from Aguilar.

Straddling this dark operatic themed record are lyrics which provide dark perspective, and this music is intelligent, majestic, exciting and original. Get into it.

Label: Oscura Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter | Instagram

Scribed by: Francisco Javier