After a year and a half hiatus, an internet musician named Ghost and Pals (or GHOST) has reappeared on their socials with two new songs since Oct. 31.
GHOST is a musician who has made songs including “Candle Queen”, “Amygdala’s Ragdoll”, “Perfect Nothing” and many, many others, most featuring Vocaloid and SynthV vocal banks. Their music can be encapsulated in standalone songs inspired by topics such as Cotard’s Syndrome (“DEATHBODY”), or in a more elaborate story, such as their “Communications” and “Qualia Automata” projects. Their instrumental songs also fit nicely and neatly into the weirdcore genre of music.
However, ever since they posted an advertisement for their merchandise to their YouTube channel on Jul 16, 2024, they have been radio silent.
That is until they reappeared with two new songs, “TRUST FALL!” and “I’M BEING GANGSTALKED BY AN ELITE CABAL OF METAPHORS”.
The former is inspired by a variety of things, such as GHOST’s personal experience, “1984” by George Orwell, conspiracy theories and analog horror, of all things. Though it depends on the interpretation, it seems to be about a fictional character, victim and puppet to their author, but their author feels the same in the real world. It has some strange instrumentation charged lyrics with the singer’s narrative, which is very on-brand for GHOST.
The latter is one of GHOST’s instrumentals. Most of GHOST’s instrumental songs are bizarre, but this one feels particularly disjointed because they sample stock sound effects and giggling as part of the instrumental, and seemingly use movie, commercial and documentary clips as replacements for vocals. It’s so surreal and alien that it would take multiple listens to truly appreciate what it has.
With all of that being said, GHOST’s songs are not for everyone. They are truly an acquired taste to fans of themes of mental disorders/struggles, strange music, or both. But, regardless, GHOST is a talented musician, and their return is a great thing for their fans.
