Bottlemoth’s debut album, Even Us Ghosts, is a carefully crafted blend of indie-folk and rock, featuring emotionally charged lyrics and haunting instrumentals. Releasing on October 17, 2024, this album is a testament to the band’s rapid ascent in the music scene after forming earlier in the year. The quintet has already garnered attention with their early singles “Tattoo,” “You’ll Always Have Us,” and “Landslides (People Change),” building a reputation for evocative storytelling and intricate soundscapes that explore themes like love, friendship and mental health. The album opens with “You’ll Always Have Us”, an uplifting and rhythmically engaging track where the drums stand out as a driving force, perfectly complementing Ethan Proctor’s reflective lyrics. Lines like “If we ever get out of here, I know a place” set a tone of longing for escape and connection. The upbeat energy continues into “Everything Works Out In The End,” which, despite its slower tempo, conveys a hopeful message of resilience. Proctor’s vocals carry a warm reassurance that everything will eventually fall into place.
Tattoo” is one of the standout moments on the album, offering a more energetic contrast to the slower ballads. The song’s powerful imagery, such as “Tattoo me love, make it known,” reflects the band’s ability to channel vulnerability through anthemic melodies. This track is a crowd-pleaser with its blend of emotional intensity and radio-ready appeal. As Bottlemoth’s debut single, it cemented their reputation for introspective songwriting and memorable melodies. The introspective tone continues with “Landslides (People Change),” a track that delves into personal growth and transformation. With a poignant exploration of life’s inevitable changes, Bottlemoth handles these themes with subtle grace. The song builds slowly, mimicking the unpredictable pace of life’s transformations, with a deeply resonant chorus that highlights the emotional turbulence of growth. The album doesn’t shy away from more experimental moments, either. “Where Oceans Swallow Your Skies” uses haunting guitar lines and slow drum beats to evoke the vastness of emotional depth. Ocean metaphors recur throughout the track, symbolizing the challenges of loss and navigating mental health struggles. The careful production choices here, as in other songs, showcase Bottlemoth’s willingness to push beyond indie-folk conventions by layering intricate textures and atmospheric elements.
Tracks like “Bowling, Beers and Most of Our Friends” and “Hold Me Like You Know Me” further explore the themes of friendship, homecoming, and emotional vulnerability. In “Bowling, Beers and Most of Our Friends” the lyrics delve into the challenges of living at home and the identity crises that come with it, while “Hold Me Like You Know Me” provides a haunting, gritty conclusion to the album. Its looping, emotive refrain of “Hold me like you know me” leaves a lasting impression, encapsulating the album’s themes of connection and belonging. Bottlemoth’s self-produced approach, coupled with Adrian Hall’s mixing, enhances the emotional weight of the album. The layering of folk-inspired instrumentation with subtle electronic touches gives the album a dynamic and innovative sound without losing its raw emotional core. Each song feels meticulously crafted, with every instrument and lyric contributing to the larger narrative.
Overall, Even Us Ghosts is a deeply personal and relatable debut. Its themes of love, friendship, and navigating the challenges of young adulthood are universally resonant, and Bottlemoth’s ability to fuse tender lyricism with stirring instrumentals makes this album a must-listen. With touches and similarities to Bell X1 and Snow Patrol, fans of those bands will appreciate the vulnerability and grandeur woven into this record. Bottlemoth’s debut is an exciting glimpse into their potential, offering an emotional experience that is both grounded and expansive. A real must listen to…multiple times!
I would give this album a strong 8 out of ten.
‘Even us ghosts‘ the absolutely gorgeous debut album from Bottlemoth, released today to limited edition vinyl.
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography