Carry the Ghost

Carry the Ghost is a perfectly titled album, because Noah Gundersen is clearly interested in exploring his demons, struggles and painful past. (After all, there's no catharsis or moving ahead without processing what's already transpired.) “Jealous Love” is one of several warm Southern rock songs on the album, while “The Difference” goes for a more sedated, ambient folk sound (reminiscent of William Fitzsimmons' latest album, Lions). But get Gundersen talking about God or religion and that's when the fire starts. He slings multiple arrows at Christians and phony religion on “Show Me the Light.” And on “Empty From the Start,” he is as clear as ever about his thoughts on God: “Blood and bones/no holy ghost/empty from the start.” Gundersen fills his songs with his search for place and meaning, wanting love (“I Need a Woman”) and to express himself (“Selfish Art”), and he is simultaneously, consistently, painfully aware of his own mortality throughout, which gives the album serious weight. Carry the Ghost is raw, unfiltered and darkly beautiful.