Music Reviews
Howless

Howless

To Repel Ghosts

Static Blooms Records.

To Repel Ghosts feels like a treasure found under the stairs at the old Factory Records headquarters in Manchester. The paranormal investigators followed a shadow figure who bore an uncanny resemblance to Robert Smith to a painted-over supply closet. Inside, the investigators found the pristine master tapes from a post-punk supersession featuring all the best players on ’80s Mad-Chester music scene.

None of what I said above is true. It’s just my fevered imagination running wild. To Repel Ghosts is the debut album from Howless. The band—comprised of Sara Soto, Karla Ramírez, Dominique Sánchez, and Mauricio Tinajero—hails from Mexico City and is a very active part of the Mexican rock and roll scene.

Things metaphysical and esoteric fascinate the band while the music is dark and atmospheric. “Levels” has a buoyant bass line and shimmering synths that recall the best of New Order. “Unlucky” feels like something the Cure wish they wrote to go along with “Friday I’m in Love.” Dominique’s vocals purr like soft whispers from a succubus—inviting but potentially dangerous. On some songs, Mauricio shares lead vocals, but no matter who’s singing, their meaning remains elusive and suggestive. All the better to lure you into their alternative reality.


Recently on Ink 19...

Refused

Refused

Music Reviews

The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombination in 12 Bursts (Epitaph). Review by Steven Cruse.

999

999

Music Reviews

Emergency at the Old Waldorf 1979 (Liberation Hall). Review by Peter Lindblad.

Bob Mould

Bob Mould

Event Reviews

Bob Mould finishes his 2024 Fall Solo Tour, bringing legendary energy to Atlanta.

Featured photo by Charles DJ Deppner.

AFI Fest 2024

AFI Fest 2024

Event Reviews

For the tenth straight year, Lily and Generoso proudly present their coverage of AFI Fest, Los Angeles’s premiere film festival which took place in Hollywood this October.

Featured photo courtesy of AFI Fest.

C.L. Turner of Arctic Wave

C.L. Turner of Arctic Wave

Interviews

Ink 19’s Randy Radic spoke with C.L. Turner of the band Arctic Wave to discuss the latest single, inspirations, and next directions.

Featured image courtesy of Present PR