Three years ago Steph Carter followed in his brother Frank’s footsteps and exited punk giants Gallows. Two years down the road, ideas that were brewing around the time of Gallows’ seminal record Grey Britain have come to life in the shape and form of The Ghost Riders in the Sky, which is the title of a track from Johnny Cash’s 1979 album Silver.
The debut album The Death of Everything New is a long way from what you’d expect to come from an ex-Gallows member, but Carter explains this project as “the natural side of his musical preferences”. The opening track The Trip is a perfect display of what to expect throughout the album and begins with an intense take on British Americana. The guitars have a ferocious punk-like feel to them, whilst the intertwining dual vocals of Carter’s wife Gillian Carter and Paul Taylor blend the more traditional Americana sound effortlessly.
The ten tracks convey a lot of Carter’s anger and frustration, but at times, it sees him fall into a more traditional acoustic style that is a lot softer. What Could Be has an optimistic chorus that is easily the most upbeat part of the album. Whereas there are numerous sections of doom and gloom, which is portrayed beautifully by Gillian’s singing performance. The vocals throughout the album are a main feature, because they are far from perfect; Taylor and Carter’s honest performances make the album sound authentic, which is key aspect of the album.
The band’s debut single Wastelands showcases the rock and roll nature of the album and a classic guitar solo that displays how comfortable Carter is in the new project. The final track of the album is a seven minute two part thrill ride that closes the album in spectacular fashion. Gillian’s vocals are guided through the early section of the track before Steph releases what sounds like years of restrained rock and roll guitar soloing. The instrumental outro allows the band to really express themselves and results in four minutes of guitar bends and crashing symbols.
The album paves a new path for the genre Americana. Carter’s punk background is displayed throughout the album, primarily through the feel of his guitar playing. The inspiration from artists such as Elvis and Johnny Cash are showcased throughout the course of the album, which results in the British Americana sound with a modern take. The five piece have created an innovative album that portrays an honest account of Steph Carter.
7.5/10
Standout Tracks – The Trip, What Could Be, Wastelands
For Fans Of: Johnny Cash, classic rock and roll, anything from the Carter family
Written by: Jordan Dilley
