Album Review: The Ghost of Paul Revere 'Monarch'

As autumn sets fire to leafy landscapes, The Ghost of Paul Revere is turning over a new album, transitioning through the seasons with an altered lineup, but staying true to their self-proclaimed “holler folk” inclinations.

Monarch emerged Oct. 27, borne from the minds of Ghost’s three mainstays: Griffin Sherry (guitar/vocals), Max Davis (banjo/vocals) and Sean McCarthy (bass/vocals). Though the recent departure of harmonica man Matthew Young has trimmed Ghost to a trio, by no means has their sound been diminished. This album abundantly features a kaleidoscope (also the term for a group of butterflies) of instrumental contributions including drums, cello and piano.

Thematically the songs hover heavily over heartache, with lyrics written by Sherry and Davis. Sherry’s more straightforward, relatable verses are delivered with a slight gruffness compared to Davis’ more poetically descriptive, obscure language and delicate vocals. The three musicians harmonize beautifully, adding a warmth to even the saddest of songs. Several of the songs pose questions for the introspective: “Little Bird” asks “Do your bones feel hollow? Do you tremble and shake? Do you cry when you’re all alone?” “Kings Road” ponders “What will you tell the dogs of your past? What will you tell the rest of your bloodline pack?” “Montreal” achingly offers “Are we growing apart or are we growing up?”

Not many songs on this album will induce a stomp and clap barn dance, but the music is gripping. The musicians add weight to their lyrics through beautiful intonation, where seemingly mundane words suddenly become powerful. There is a lot of power in feeling pain. Hardship often leads to metamorphosis.

Catch The Ghost of Paul Revere as they swing through the southern states into early November before heading up north. They will play at Rough Trade in NYC on December 2. Get yourself a copy of the album through any digital music outlet.

Key Tracks: Little Bird, Wild Child, Monarch

Garlic Chives

After some stirring conversation with inspiring people, I've caught sight of why I started this thought compendium in the first place. It's the best notebook there is because I can't lose it. In the past I have loved keeping a collection of notebooks because my ideas are spread across many volumes and if I lose one, my history of thought is only slightly injured.

But it's also a chaotic way to collect thoughts. A good friend of mine is a prolific poet in Syracuse whose word flow constantly shatters my mind, another created his own music podcast and is at the forefront of the Rochester music scene. They're both constantly learning and growing by applying their ideas to their unique creative channels. Here's to them and here's to everyone out there trying to make themselves better through whatever outlet they choose.

Poetry is one outlet pretty far outside my comfort zone, but I was compelled to write a few simple lines after running through the park on a marvelous October afternoon. I was walking down a steep hill and realized the slope was covered in wild chives! I took a handful home and sprinkled them on garlic bread to share with Mom and Grandma:

Garlic Chives
(Allium tuberosum):

Tender blue tendrils
slender limbs wave
sheepishly on the hillside
hiding between green tufts
of tough grass

Not green enough
to blend in unseen
I pick one blade
and nibble cautiously

Their garlicky spice
tastes of Grandma's
forgotten garden
so I pick a handful
to bring her a memory