By Storm: My Ghosts Go Ghost Album Review
The creative process can be profoundly shaped by loss. Just as New Order emerged from the grief following the death of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis in 1983, the duo By Storm—formerly part of Injury Reserve—have navigated a similar reinvention after the death of Stepa J. Groggs. Now, five years after the release of By The Time I Get to Phoenix, Injury Reserve’s final album, By Storm presents their debut album, My Ghosts Go Ghost, a work exploring grief, growth, and the uncertain path forward.
From Experimental Rap to Contemplative Electronics
Injury Reserve initially gained recognition for their “brash experimental raps.” By Storm, however, channels that energy into a more introspective, yet equally intense, sound. In 2023, they signaled this shift with the single “Double Trio,” described as a “free jazz-rap epic” that reflected the disorientation of a band undergoing a fundamental change. The years following By The Time I Get to Phoenix were marked by touring amidst “global upheaval and personal change,” a period Ritchie described as “the scramble”—a time of uncertainty where the outcome was ultimately “whatever we want.”
A Conversational and Evolving Sound
My Ghosts Go Ghost represents a departure in style for the duo, with lyrics and production that feel more improvisational than previous work. The album features a blend of “jangly guitars and vaporwave sample collages,” and Ritchie’s rapping adopts a more spontaneous approach. Tracks like “In My Town” delve into personal struggles—financial difficulties, the demands of touring, and the anticipation of parenthood—and often extend beyond traditional song structures, lingering for extended periods.
Navigating Change and Finding Peace
The album’s themes of “languishing and resisting change” are evident in lyrics like those found in “Can I Have You For Myself?,” where Ritchie expresses gratitude alongside a desire to preserve the present moment on the eve of his child’s birth. The album’s most compelling moments arise when contrasting elements collide, as demonstrated in “Best Interest,” which combines violin improvisations reminiscent of Polly Bradfield with a verse from billy woods over a straightforward beat. Tracks like “Dead Weight” showcase a newfound freedom, with drumming styles drawing comparisons to Rashied Ali and Morgan Simpson of black midi.
A Cathartic Conclusion
My Ghosts Go Ghost reaches its peak in its final songs, framing the experience of loss and reinvention as something to be embraced. “And I Dance” offers a moment of catharsis, with Ritchie celebrating reaching “the other side.” This track is also the most structurally sound on the album, with focused lyrics and impactful electronic elements, drawing comparisons to the production style of Arca. The album ultimately portrays Ritchie and Parker Corey as artists no longer defined by their past, but energized by the possibilities of their future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the change in sound from Injury Reserve to By Storm?
The death of Stepa J. Groggs prompted a reinvention for Ritchie With a T and Parker Corey, leading to a more contemplative and experimental sound as By Storm.
What is the significance of the album title, My Ghosts Go Ghost?
The album title reflects the process of grappling with loss and moving forward, suggesting a release or transformation of past burdens.
How does the song “Double Trio” represent By Storm’s transition?
“Double Trio” is described as a “free jazz-rap epic” that captured the “panic of a band in forced metamorphosis,” signaling a significant shift in their musical direction.
How do artists navigate creative reinvention after experiencing significant loss, and what role does music play in that process?