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Ghost Mall is
one of those bands who simply
escape description. The self-proclaimed "Broke-Fi Gunk Pop"
band from New Paltz is something
one has to experience for
themselves. And what an
experience it is.
I first
caught Ghost Mall playing on the
top floor of a student-occupied
house adjacent to SUNY New Paltz
affectionately referred to as
"The Orphanage." They hauled
their equipment up the three
flights of rickety stairs,
fighting cigarette smoke and
spilt beer, and began setting
up. It wasn't long before Ghost
Mall tore into their fierce 20
minute set that the room became
so packed, it was impossible to
move.
At that point,
Ghost Mall was only a few months
old. Word spreads fast on a
college campus, especially if
it's word of something good. And
Ghost Mall is good. Their sets
are quick and intense. I can
only think to describe it as the
best and shortest party you've
ever been to. Front man Pierce
Lydon dominates the venue,
quickly escaping whatever make-shift stage he can be found on
to embrace the always
rambunctious crowd.
Even
though Ghost Mall have just
celebrated their fist full year
together, at any given show
almost everyone in the crowd
will know every word of every
song. This was despite their
lack of a CD up until last
month. It was because everyone
who sees Ghost Mall will see
them again and again.
Now, there's more to Ghost Mall
then meets the eye. This four
piece indie sensation could very
well be responsible for making
the New Paltz independent music
scene what it is. Pierce founded
the indie label "Friendly
Neighborhood Records" mid-last
year in an effort to release his
friend's music. Since its
inception, FNR has released 5
EPs, including one from past
BOTM John Warren, 2 Singles, and
a "Basement Bootleg" from a
Ghost Mall show that took place
in the basement of the SUNY New Paltz Art Building.
Also, Pierce says FNR will soon
be releasing albums on cassette,
in addition to their free online
distribution.
One of the
really cool things about Ghost
Mall, aside from the obvious, is
their innate ability to make a
show at the weirdest, most
make-shift venue, the best show
you have ever been to. And
that's what every show I've ever
seen them play is. Each is
better than the last, with more
epic dance parties, crowds
screaming, and crowd surfing in
kitchens (yes, really.)
Ghost Mall just returned from a
tour down to Austin's SXSW
festival. Upon returning, Lead
singer Pierce declared "If
you are not on tour or the owner
of your own Waffle House
franchise, you have one foot
planted firmly in the grave."
These guys genuinely love what
they do, and in my opinion, they
do it better than almost anyone
else. Whatever "it" is.
Their new album "Goons" is streaming on
their myspace, and Pierce
promises it will be available
for download on the Friendly
Neighborhood Records website
"Soon."
www.myspace.com/GhostMall
www.fnrecords.blogspot.com
(Article by: J.Greco)
(Photo
By:
Katie Chirichillo)
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