Album review: THE GHOST OF LEMORA – Love Can Be Murder

Resurrection Records [Release date 12.02.21]

Originally formed in London in 2001, The Ghost of Lemora have released two studio albums and a couple of EPs. This new album has been in the works for a number of years being delayed by the pandemic as many albums have been. It was produced by Andy Ramsey (Stereolab) – whose studio the album was recorded in – and Paul Tipler (Placebo, Julian Cope).

The Ghost Of Lemora are Jeff Simon (drums), Colin Ness (bass), Peter Jennings (keyboards), Paul Swift (guitar, backing vocals) and Richard Winstone (lead vocals) – the latter two are founding members of the band, with Swift being the band’s main songwriter.

The press release says this album is the band’s most ambitious release to date. Not having heard their earlier work I can’t comment on that, however, they certainly have put a lot into the music. There is a jazz beat meets metal riffs on ‘The Letter I Wanted To Write’. Then on ‘The Beginning of the End of the Western Dream’ there is some wonderful Keith Emerson approved keyboards from Peter Jennings. Prog fans will particularly enjoy this one, as will those who like a bit of gothic pomp a la Sisters Of Mercy.

‘Headphones’ is perhaps the most instant song on the album with a chugging riff and driving rhythm. Spending a lot of time with my headphones on to get through a day I can relate to this song’s lyrics – “Headphones, block out, My world I want back”.

‘I’ll Be With You Tomorrow’ is a tender song to end the album on. Again it features lovely paino/keys, one of the main strengths on the album.

Richard Winstone’s vocals take a little while to gel, he doesn’t half remind me of Johnny Cola from the A-Grades. Indeed, like many a good album you keep coming back to, lend it your time and ears as you will be well rewarded if you like prog, pomp or gothic rock that is a little different. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)