Sheffields New Ghost return with their first new music in five years with ‘A Dagger in Every Tide‘. The new album emerges from a place of profound vulnerability, conceived in the aftermath of a near-death experience that left frontman Chris Anderson grappling with the raw edges of fear and anxiety. It’s steeped in a haunting reflection of the collective unease that has shadowed the world in recent years with loneliness echoing through its tracks like a distant, unshakeable spectre.
The opening track, “Like Lazarus” gently eases you into this world of introspection with its stunning interplay of harmonies between Chris and Ellie. Layered with rich synths and electronic drums, the song tugs at your heartstrings with a melancholic grace, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
“Cherry Violence” crashes in next, a track that nods unmistakably to Deftones with its punishing bass tones and ethereal vocals. The song is a masterclass in contrast, balancing aggression with a delicate beauty that feels both familiar and fresh.
The infectious hooks of “Over” are impossible to ignore, as the dual vocals once again take centre stage, commanding the track with an effortless confidence. The song’s breakdown—a brooding, heavy slab of post-rock guitars and swirling soundscapes—draws you in like a riptide, carrying you along before depositing you gently into the serene opening of “Dreamsong.” This track flutters in with thunderous bass and Anderson’s cathartic vocals, its lush, fuzzy tones painting a sonic landscape that will resonate deeply with shoegaze and post-rock aficionados.
“Viscera” introduces double drumming and a nostalgic 90s vibe in its vocal delivery. The track brims with exciting effects and a warmth that embraces you.
“Red and Blue” shifts into an indie-leaning vibe, featuring guest vocals by Julie Clarkson. The post-rock influences remain ever-present, with distorted vocals, layers of synths, and subtle electronics adding new dimensions to the band’s already expansive soundscape while “Wayfarer” pushes the electronic elements to the forefront, with Ellie’s comforting tones leading the charge. As the track unfolds, Anderson’s harmonies re-enter, creating a hypnotic, enveloping experience that’s hard to shake.
The album’s penultimate track, “All Endings” is a love letter to shoegaze, with its fuzzed-out guitars and warm bass tones recalling the genre’s golden era. Smashing Pumpkins-esque breakdowns are sprinkled throughout, adding a nostalgic twist that feels both unexpected and perfectly fitting. Finally, “Slow” closes the album on a cinematic note. Ellie’s gorgeous vocals drift over a backdrop of buzzing feedback and subtle electronics, culminating in an ending that feels both chaotic and peaceful and leaves the listener with a lingering sense of both completion and yearning—a fitting end to a journey through the turbulent emotional landscape of A Dagger in Every Tide.
The album is released on the 6th September and is available to pre-order HERE