Ghost of a Dog "Full Moon Crime Spree" (Airheart Records, 2009)

Tale-telling with plenty of surprises

The Welsh have always had a long standing relationship big vocalists and Ghost of a Dog’s front woman, Tamzin Powell, is no exception; and along with this debut album from the west country five piece, is purely a fine example of British Americana.

The record gets off to a big start with the country rock ‘Higham Special’ which immediately highlights the powerful Powell vocal. The songs ebb and flow throughout mixing it up with slower ballads like ‘Colour me Blue’ that again do not fail to focus on a superb vocal performance, swaying melodies and solid musicianship. Ghost of a Dog really play on strong country/folk influences and shape them for their own defining sound. Tracks like ‘The Russians are Coming’ takes a classic country skiffle, some beautifully played lap steel and a vintage folk toned vocal to prove the diversity of the band. ‘Mexicano (Boys Night Out)’ twists yet again with its gothic Spanish guitar riffs, leading violin and rattling snare, the great use of dynamics creates a real air of creepiness and depth.

It has been said that Powell is like a country Kate Bush and Ghost of a Dog have taken a lot from bands such as Calexico but to make these assumptions is unfair. Powell certainly stands on her own two feet and doesn’t need such comparisons, the whole band has developed its unique ideas to deliver their tales and there is no lack of surprises. Of course there are bundles of country, folk, southern rock nuances but that’s what any good Americana album should have.

Date review added:  Saturday, January 30, 2010
Reviewer:  Will Bray
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Related web link:  Ghost of a Dog