As the album title alludes, The Ghost have something to say. According to their bio, they have voluntarily exiled themselves, and are kicking down social ladders. While I don't see any change of that sort coming, they do have some clever wordings and stories along the way.
From what I can gather though, their agenda seems to be harping on others without really setting up anything of their own--such as in 'Banished and Loving It' where Moss yells "It is easier to judge a voice than to use one". It would seem they are rallying to use a voice instead of judging, but they seem to be judging only in the song, so maybe I misunderstood. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are going to political rallies and producing social change.
As cynical as that last paragraph was, The Ghost does have a lot to offer on a couple of standout tracks including; Exorcism In The Key of a Minor, and Mad Max was an Amateur.
The Ghost have a very primal feeling that comes from its plodding guitars and lead singer/guitarist Ben Moss' throaty vocals. Moss' vocals are probably the hinge on where someone will decide if they like The Ghost or not. They can be very rough and raspy. They work very well during about half of the album such as when he is screaming "This Is An Exorcism!" in Exorcism In The Key of a Minor, but not as well during the other half when he is singing.
This Pen Is A Weapon itself has the sounds of one of the directions post-hardcore has gone into. They keep away from emo/screamo completely, opting for rougher singing and sticking to harder guitars. Check these guys out if you are into rough and tumble wordsmithing and from the sounds of it they give a great live show.
3/4
Similar sounding releases
2001Burning AirlinesIdentikit
2002RescueVolume Plus Volume Plus
2004Kudzu WishReverse Hurricane
1999CamberAnyway, I've Been There
2003Benton FallsGuilt Beats Hate
2004The Plastic ConstellationsMazatlan
