Ghosts & Girls
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The 10th solo album from bd Gottfried, the 11 tracks here touch on the struggles and triumphs of daily life, where a highly emotional landscape and plenty of originality is present.
“Butcher. Baker. Little Bombmaker” starts the listen with a hint of dreaminess amid the crunchy guitars and thumping drums, and the title track follows with a distinct intimacy that involves haze, melody and strong attention to mood.
In the middle, “Crystal City Soldiers” is an elegant and poetic moment of careful song craft, while “Never Surrender To The Flame” is an upbeat and flowing album highlight that uses keys splendidly alongside the smooth singing.
The quality of the songwriting follows all the way to the last 2 tracks, “Pressing Flowers” and “Wrapped In Still Silence”. The former carries a mesmerizing quality that’s both gripping and touching, and the latter is an introspective exit of spirited guitar and a gentle ambience that’s heartfelt yet mysterious.
Gottfried knows his way around a pop and rock influenced tune you won’t soon forget, and this latest installment is further testimony to his authentic and creative self.
Travels well with: bd Gottfried- Onion Doves; Tom DiCillo- Shot Of Blue