Search - The Indulgers :: Chase The Ghost

Best Indulgers Album Yet.

myk-el | Denver, CO United States | 03/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fifth Indulgers album starts off very strong with the driving "One Forever." Strong Pat Murphy drums and a power chord most rock bands would kill for are present throughout. Somehow, multi-instrumentalist Mike Nile's accordion mixes into this musical force seamlessly. That is the brilliance of the Indulgers. They mix the new with the traditional and it all comes out intelligent and catchy. The title track "Chase the Ghost" incorporates the odd choice of a hip-hop back beat with the flavor of funk on Chris Murtaugh's bass. Then we go to the beauty of "Sail Away." It features Damien McCarron's smooth vocals and the light touch of Renee Fine's fiddle. It's a delicate sound with pure lyrical poetry and layered instrumentation. Mike Nile and Neale Heywood (who plays guitar on "Sail Away") have tended to overproduce on the last two albums; at times, some of the feeling is lost on those recordings. This particular track is the best at showing that they seem to have found the right balance of using studio techniques while capturing the emotion that comes with their live performance. "Molly & Me" is the song most familiar to Indulgers fans, as they debuted this one live a couple of months prior to release. The live arrangement hits the beat a little harder, so this is a little different from what the fans are used to live, but it's still a catchy number and fun to sing along to. "Feeling Fine" is the latest, and so far best, in a line of fine fiddle-oriented instrumentals. It makes me want to get up and step-dance, even though I don't know how. "Sirens" is pretty much guaranteed to remind folks living in the western US at the height of the drought in 2002 of the deadly wildfires across Colorado and rest the western US. It rings true and captures the emotion of that time well. The second half continues with three more traditional-sounding numbers in "Loch Lomand's Arms," "Rain And On The Run" and "Tyburn Hill." "Let It Ride" is not a BTO cover. It gets funky on this one with a nice buzz from the digital electronic bagpipes, a.k.a. Buzzpipes. The pipes hook you and the bass line reels you in. It's the little touches of subtle guitar behind the bass and the play between the pipes and fiddle that bring this together. The rulebook says to start strong and finish stronger. The last two tracks leave great feelings in their wake. "Dancing on the Tips of Your Toes" is a joyful dance song. Fiddle, vocals, flute and mandolin all rotate in and out, then team up to carry the tune home. It's great harmony and makes an upbeat, pretty little tune. Last, we have a guest appearance of former Cosmic Pond lead singer Sara Moranville, who shares vocals with Damien. The song is "Promise That It Holds" and it's just beautiful. It sends chills up my spine. It has a hymn feel to it--the sort of emotional uplifting feeling your very best spiritual songs have. Neale Heywood also plays guitar on this song, contributing to the subtle use of guitar and keyboard throughout the song. "Chase the Ghost" is the best Indulgers album to date. No bad songs exist on the album. The band should be congratulated for this effort."

Indulger's Best Ever

Ginger Curry | Albuquerque, NM United States | 03/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time fan of The Indulgers, I have watched their music grow and expand both within the boundaries of the Celtic genre and out of it. Chase the Ghost, however, is their most well-rounded effort to date. You'll get an lively image listening to the overall songs, but...listen to the lyrics to truly appreciate the band. "Sail Away" is my favorite song on this CD but then I've always been a sucker for a well written ballad. "Sirens" is a moving tribute to the firefighters risking their lives battling fires in much of the southwest over the last few years. "Let It Ride" is a haunting, yet sensual song that stays with you long after you've listened to it. "Promise That It Holds" is a gorgeous duet with Sarah Moranville that calls to mind Scottish castles and pioneers. "Molly and Me" is a happy, upbeat, almost 60's pop-like song and "Dancing On The Tips of Your Toes" is guaranteed to have you on yours.Indulger fans are familiar with the "Fine" songs on each CD so won't be surprised with "Feeling Fine" however, I personally think this is the best ever. And, even those of us without a jigging bone in our bodies will find it impossible to sit still. If you like Celtic music, pop music, or just good music, give this one a listen."