Early Ghost

'...Voila, wide-eyed Sussex folk-pop prodigies Early Ghost, supporting Beirut at Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens last year, and thereby displaying a chutzpah that’ll get them through a few more doors in their time. And now they’re back at Brighton’s Latest Music Bar, where the Eastbourne/Lewes-based sextet played their first ever gig two years ago. The boys and girl add mandolin, banjo and melodica to the standard strummy drummy set-up, and have a secret weapon in a guitarist who seems resignedly happy to be cajoled into learning any instrument the band may need: piano, trumpet – probably euphonium if asked nicely.

Tonight’s a sweaty but relaxed, unplugged affair, rather than the full-whack electric set we missed when they supported Jesca Hoop up the road at the Brighton Ballroom a couple of months back. But the seven-song selection – which tonight includes two of melodica player Zoe Brownrigg’s solo songs, with backing from her fellow Ghosts – reveals at least three potentially Mumford-bothering slices of hope-stained melancholy.

This evening’s headliners, sweet close-harmonising duo Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou, put in a solid yet unremarkable show, gracefully calling Early Ghost “brilliant” from the stage while excusing two band members for leaving during their set (they’ve got exams in the morning). Not for Early Ghost, the gentle upward trajectory: they’re pointed assuredly skywards.' - The Line Of Best Fit

'When I occasionally promote shows there are a few things I look for aside from great musicianship. With a full gig calendar, a sold out first EP and commanding stage presence, Early Ghost have all the boxes ticked. Hell, even if I was just your average listener I could listen to these tunes for hours on end. There’s a clear influence from the likes of Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver particularly in 1914 which marches on with trumpet fanfare riff and military drumming before meandering into finger-picked guitar. Diversity and an excellent musical ability are what will set these guys apart from their peers. There are little splashes of Hendrix-inspired guitar here and there and the addition of female vocals on The Bonfire raises the bar just a little more.'

'Early Ghost seems to be almost unstoppable. Having performed with the likes of Beirut, Freelance Whales and Larkin Poe, they are currently touring up and down the country and working on recording for their third release. This six-piece has everything I love—blaring trumpets, plucky banjos, wailing harmonicas, whistling, more cowbell, xylophones and a mandolin that reigneth supreme. Add to that a blend of lofty vocals and charged harmonies and you’ve got a sound set for the next big indie film. That perfect mix of pleasant and poignant. Simply lovely.' - For Folk's Sake