The Ghost You Gave to Me is the sixth full-length release from New York’s 3. They harness a funky blend of psychedelic rock and prog rock to create their unique and inviting sound. To be honest I had never listened to 3 before, but what a damn fine introduction this was! After spending much time with this album it’s safe to say they definitely deserve mention in the same breath as other great bands they’ve toured with such as Opeth and Porcupine Tree.
I was instantly hooked into The Ghost You Gave to Me by the soothing and haunting melodies. The songs each hold a dark yet uplifting quality that easily carries you away. Each track is very different from the rest while still all coming together as one cohesive piece. It’s hard to just listen to one track and not listen to the entire album all at once. Joey Eppard’s vocals are one of my favorite things about 3′s sound. He goes from an eerie melancholic tone to soaring effortlessly to fit the mood of the song. “Pretty” is one of my favorite tracks and really shows off Eppard’s dynamic vocals. It also has an infectious dance-like beat that’s hard not to like.
Everything is rock solid musically on this album. Each band member really shines and stands out on their respective instruments. It’s nice to hear plenty of awesome bass lines prominently in the mix. It fits perfect with the often jazzy drumming like the amazing beginning of “Numbers.” Things can still get crushingly heavy at times. The weighty riffing on “Numbers” and “It’s Alive” display this nicely. On “Only Child” there’s a tribal sounding drum beat riding an ultra melodic vibe that gets heavier toward the end. It’s another standout that shows just how perfectly well-rounded the band is.
The Ghost You Gave to Me is another release with that great album quality that makes it perfect for any place and time. I definitely walked out of this review as a fan of 3. This album is calling me back for many more listens and I intend to heed the call. As will anybody looking for a great, unique musical journey to take.
Rating: 8.5/10
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