22 Sep 2019 // A review by Lou Clement
The venue was buzzing and continued to fill as the DJ warmed up the Saturday night crowd at Wellington’s famous music venue San Fran. On tonight’s bill was headline homegrown act Ghost Who Walks. Listening to their music ahead of the event, I felt their blend of multi-genre influenced had instant appeal for me. I was pretty sure it would bring the party to this Cuba Street loft too.

The supporting act were H4lf Cast who, again, took influences from a number genres to make an unmistakably catchy sound. Their music has been described as Maori, hip-hop, funk and reggae. Live it’s front man Nikau Te Huki who thoroughly drove the vibe; watching the band play was like receiving a sweet accepting embrace, one that might have felt cliched but didn’t instead it had a pumped up crowd singing along to the lyrics, cheering the sax solos and generally appreciative of what this band were bringing to the music scene. After another DJ-led interlude seven-piece Ghost Who Walks took to the stage.

I liked the bluesy influenced tones that Sam Fowles brought to the performance, and the compositions were more attractive in a live setting, like a Tinder date that’s better in real life. It oozed funk which had the audience dancing instantly.

When Ghost Who Walks played Walking Talking Blues with its rocky, slick riffs and with bass & drums to match, they really seemed to get into their own groove. The guitar solos made you sweat a little, with their pulse of rock-flecked electric guitar. Fowles’ vocals rose and fell whilst the seven-piece played the heart out of each and every tracks. This band were a welcome change to watch for me, with my usual heavier grunge-influenced taste in live music, it felt like music that needed to be heard live; exciting, fun and feel good - and with a band who thoroughly revelled in the opportunity to play to their home crowd.

“I make music to move the body and touch the soul” – Sam Fowles.

Ghost Who Walks is a project started by Sam Fowles, backed by his band that is homegrown in Wellington. Formed from the vibrant jam scene of Wellington open mic nights. Combining elements of Blues, Funk, Rock and Reggae, sprinkled with psychedelic overtones. Ghost Who Walks has rocked many a venue in the Wellington live scene with funky originals that Sam writes from the perspective of someone who has seen struggles, overcome and risen above them. This is a lyrical style the listener can relate to. “With relatable lyrics of creating your own destiny, a listener can resonate more with that kind of lyrical sensibility. This is music that makes you feel.” - Muzic.net.nz

Straight after their inception they cut their teeth into the Battle of the Bands progressing to the national final before spending the next year honing their sound ready to record with the Dr Lee Prebble at Surgery Studios Wellington. Producing an EP that showcases their raw energy and gives you a glimpse into the power of their live show. “Ultimately an energetic offering, 'Vertigo' soars this Wellington group to new heights and offers an exciting glimpse into the impending Ghost Who Walks EP in 2018 - fun grooves ahead!" - Tiana Speter, thesoundcheck.org.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Ghost Who Walks

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