Soft, picked out chords, a drum beat that teases and never comes in fully, discordant unexpected chord changes, all covered with angelic vocals that combine beauty and feelings of being haunted. That’s how “Ghost”, the first song from Christina Ward’s debut EP “Rent” will pull you in and attach itself to you. The title track which comes next continues with this feel, with vocals reminiscent of Mazzy Star as Christina projects and weaves in and out of her vocal parts with the ease and skill of a natural performer you would expect to have been doing this for years. The 3rd track “Nightmare” is the first that has a steady drumbeat, and it’s a really cool one, with a spacey bass track that creates an environment full of room for sound experimentation, upbeat but still haunting as Christina sings “I don’t want to be your nightmare; I don’t want to be your go-to girl.” The feeling of isolation continues with the last track “Wake Up” – more haunting, reverb-soaked vocals over a finger picked guitar track, more unpredictable chord progressions, and a simplicity that forces you to listen closely. I really love how all these tracks are under 4 minutes, with the longest coming in at 3:34 – often bands these days have the tendency to make songs that are too long and end up losing their potency. Christina Ward does not fall into that trap here, as she offers up 4 beautiful female fronted indie rock tracks that sing to your soul, and help you get lost when going home is the last thing you want to do.
"Rent" will drop April 16 via Mint 400 Records.
- Joe Pugsley