One look at the music video for Mold’s new single, “I Can See The Ghost,” and you know you are in for something RADICALLY different. Mold, whose proper name presentation, includes an exclamation point, is a Psych Rock band out of Miami, by way of Peru. What is Psych Rock, you ask? Well, that’s for Mold! to know, and you to inevitably find out, upon listening to their music. The good news is, Mold have some pretty decent music, if “I Can See The Ghost” is any indication.
BANDCAMP: mooold.bandcamp.com/track/i-can-see-the-ghost-single
“I Can See The Ghost” is the sophomore single from Mold’s soon to be released LP. It’s a debut of sorts, as Mold’s only previous release, came in the form of a 3 song EP/Demo. Based off the band’s interviews, they come across as detached and intensely introspective, though that is purely conjecture, for the most part. Based off of the aforementioned music video for “I Can See The Ghost,” Mold!, has no issue with pushing the boundaries of tastefulness and restraint. The animated video, directed by fellow Peruvians, Bruno Degradi and Tomas Del Sado, features gratuitous nudity, throughout, with some natural accoutrements, shall we say.
MOLD! – I CAN SEE THE GHOST!
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO! LISTEN TO “I CAN SEE THE GHOST!” IN ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS!Animations By:Bruna DenegriTomás Del PradoMUSIC BY MOLD!Mixed by Ryan HaftM…
Mold!, certainly pulled out all the stops for “I Can See The Ghost,” and No Silence. Carlo Barbacci, the frontman and founder of Mold!, worked closely with Ryan Haft on the production of the record. They subsequently recruited Dave Cooley for the mastering. The resulting effects of these well calculated collaborations is a quality sounding product, with raw and immediate performances. It’s obvious the band wanted to achieve something chaotic, yet musically proficient, and they achieved that and more.
Do you look away/every time the sky turns grey? The theme of death and its residuals is a major theme in “I Can See The Ghost.” The more you hear it, the more you begin to become comforted by the self contained anguish. Barbacci has a sort of desperation in his voice that can sound like a cry for help, from the right distance. Having said that, he seems like an artist who is mightily cogent and precise in how he wants his art to be digested.
APPLE MUSIC: music.apple.com/us/album/i-can-see-the-ghost/1569118051?i=1569118052
Drummer, Bjorn Roland and Bassist, Bronto Montano, provide a pulsating backdrop to Barbacci’s tortured masterpiece. Roland sets his click track to that of a speeding freight train, and Montano, to his credit, stays right with him. Collectively, the trio captures a density to their sound that is rare but pivotal for 3 piece acts. “I Can See The Ghost,” gives me early Mars Volta vibes, if Cedric and Omar had brought their punk cards with them. Barbacci’s vocals are soaring and are sure to catch immediate attention in a generally favorable sense. Like any band, Mold’s music is destined to be embraced by some, and discarded by others. In Barbacci’s transition through the phases of the American Dream, he’s scraped the mold off of the bread, and used it to add color to his compelling vision.
Clay Burton