The Northwestern 'Ghostrock EP' (Bloodbank) Released 16/11/09

Since disbanding Hope Of The States three years ago, Sam Herlihy has continued his quest to create beautiful, enduring and essentially unique pieces of inspiring music. However, whereas his most well known outfit’s initial forays coupled with subsequent project Troubles ploughed more of an experimental furrow, The Northwestern seem to be reliant on traditional songwriting values.

That’s not to say the ‘Ghostrock EP’ is a by-numbers affair. On the contrary in fact, as each of its four songs would have been quite capable of grabbing the mantle of lead track in their own right. As it happens, much of the emphasis here is placed on guitarist Jonny Winter’s whimsical patterns, which veer off in similar opus-like frenzies to Will Sergeant back in the halcyon days of the Bunnymen. Indeed the only real constant here in terms of linking The Northwestern back to their founder’s past is Herlihy’s occasionally fragile vocal, but when put in the context of opener ‘What Did I Do’ or possible stand out ‘House Of Bees’ his subtle tones compliment the instrumentation in a resolute manner.

While the former proffers a studiously direct approach, the latter slowly builds into a cacophonous halo of reverb that echoes their live show, producer James Loughrey perfectly capturing the moment in documentary-like fashion. Elsewhere, ‘Ghosts On VHS’ is perhaps the nearest The Northwestern and its collective members get to treading old ground, Winter’s guitar epiphany wrapped around Herlihy’s preacher-style rant ably abetted by fellow six-string conspirator Ian McCullagh briefly recalls the heady bluster of ‘Me Ves Y Sufres’. ‘Redthreads’ on the other hand, which closes ‘Ghostrock’ is a more lucid, if considered affair.

Although memories of his past protégés will no doubt haunt Herlihy until he finally hangs his guitar up for good, this EP suggests The Northwestern do possess the potential to enjoy the success his previous suitors were tragically denied. With an album due out in the early part of 2010, next year could be a handsomely rewarding one for Chichester’s newest musical export.