A dedication to those they've lost, 'Ghost Stories' showcased The Whitmore Sisters working together to create a record that cherishes life and each essence of it.
There will be records underneath release weeks that are hidden gems, and sometimes seeking them out will take a while. Ever since I’ve been doing my personal project ‘New Releases Extravaganza’, there have been instances where I have picked up hidden gems on the albums that I handpick to be on my weekly charts. And in my January 21st NRE chart, there is one album that immediately stuck in my head for weeks for the amounts of greatness that it presents. That album is ‘Ghost Stories’ by The Whitmore Sisters.
The debut record by Eleanor and Bonnie Whitmore as a group, they’ve written this record inspired by the passing of those that are important and dear to their lives whether that be family, friends, and partners. From the very beginning, you’ll hear the vocal harmonies and the melodic build-ups that are all around this record, and if you’re really into those close harmonies you’ll definitely find enjoyment in this album. The vocal chops of both sisters are magnetic and filled with charisma as they nestle in wondrously in these instrumental packets that swerve between soulful Americana and stomping country-rock. And there is wisdom to be found in the themes that they’re approaching, writing inspired by those that passed away as well as the shared memories that they have to cherish in their lives as sisters. It’s that kind of wisdom that’s grounded and sometimes celebratory that makes the album hit hard.
However, I personally do find certain aspects in the structure and lyrical detail. When it comes to structuring, certain songs like ‘Ricky’ and ‘Big Heart Sick Mind’ can get clunky as they transition to songs after that that get much darker in contrast. While I appreciate the lyrical detail of a man going a bit too much on ‘Ricky’, I’m not sure how ‘On The Wings Of A Nightingale’ and especially ‘Big Heart Sick Mind’ fits in the overall sense of the narrative even if they do focus on love centric ideas.
But overall, the Whitmore sisters showcased a special Americana album. The harmonies and the melodies are just catchy, the instrumentation is varied and organic, and the performances with the sisters help elevate and transcend the wisdom surrounding the moments in their lives with the cherished people who passed away. It may stumble surrounding the album structure and certain songs that don’t add much to the narrative, but it didn’t matter that much when the melodies keep you in touch.
Favorite Tracks: Learn To Fly, Hurtin’ For A Letdown, Superficial World Of Love, Friends We Leave Behind, On The Wings Of A Nightingale, Greek Tragedy, The Ballad Of Sissy & Porter, By Design
Least Favorite Track: Big Heart Sick Mind