Despite ‘Ghost Notes’ representing Veruca Salt’s first new music in nine years, and the first release from this line up in 18, they slip back into a comfortable mould pretty seamlessly. For that reason, their return is a welcome one, but not a particularly impressive one. Those hoping for more of the same will not be disappointed. Those expecting a shift in priorities or new-found maturity will.
Kicking things off with The Gospel According To Saint Me, the quartet show they have not abandoned their pop sensibilities, but do promise: “It’s gonna get loud, it’s gonna get heavy.” Black and Blonde delivers on that pledge, with its fuzzed out guitars giving a welcome nod to the grunge era they came up in. Come Clean, Dark Thing and Triage also mine the darker side of their influences for inspiration.
But, it’s the sugary sweet pop choruses and simple, matter-of-fact lyrics that let the record down. I’m Telling You Now and Prince Of Wales, despite its ability to transport you straight back to the ‘90s, both underwhelm.
The record’s saving grace is Laughing In The Sugar Bowl, which is clever and well composed. Here Veruca Salt unlock the potential that clearly still lies within. If the rest had followed suit, we’d would have been in for a treat. It doesn’t, so we aren’t.
‘Ghost Notes’ is everything you would expect from a Veruca Salt record, both good and bad. It’s predictable, solid and, at 14 tracks, just too long. This band needs to trim the fat and get to the meat of what they’re doing.
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