The Forgiven Ghost in Me

Scott Kelly, the man, the myth, the legend. Partially responsible for bringing the world Neurosis, being one of the founding members and, obviously, a strong driving force behind their output. Anyone familiar with Neurosis should know that the band members are not slouches. Although it usually takes extensive time between Neurosis albums, the members keep themselves busy with an overabundance of side projects and solo endeavors, and Scott Kelly is no exception to that rule. Kelly has been active in Blood & Time, Shrinebuilder and Tribes of Neurot, in addition to his solo output and his work with Neurosis.

"The Forgiven Ghost in Me", Scott Kelly's third solo full length album, released under the moniker of Scott Kelly and the Road Home, continues his perpetual output of quality releases. "The Forgiven Ghost in Me" fits perfectly next to Kelly's previous efforts, "Spirit Bound Flesh" (2001) and "The Wake" (2008). Much like the predecessors, "The Forgiven Ghost in Me" presents very bleak and dreary American folk music, delivered with Kelly's deep crooning and a single acoustic guitar.

Kelly's voice is just pure excellence here, but it's definitely not your typical folk style. His voice is gruff, deep and throaty, sounding much like Douglas Pearce on Death in June's more recent work ("Peaceful Snow / Lounge Corps"). Brimming with bleakness, Kelly's vocals sound like hardship and despair vocalized. The guitar work is all acoustic, showcasing slowly strummed chords interlaced with small extrapolations and bridges. The guitar lines are bleak and slow, but laced with an emotional depth only obtainable with acoustic guitars.

The only changes come when Noah Landis (Neurosis) plays a very subtle, spacey keyboard line in "We Let the Hell Come" and when Josh Graham (A Storm of Light, Neurosis) adds some additional vocals here and there. Jason Roeder (Neurosis) plays a slow, plodding drum line on "The Field That Surrounds Me", and surprisingly, does not sound out of place. The departure of the drums for the rest of the album doesn't seem out of place, either. The additions subtly add depth to the music, but maintain their distance, allowing Kelly and his acoustic guitar to stay in forefront.

"The Forgiven Ghost in Me" is more of an emotional experience than other folk related acts. There is nothing groundbreaking or new here, at all. Everything on this album has been done before, but Scott Kelly's emotional outpour and unique approach make this a great and captivating listen. Forty-one minutes of a man and his guitar: it doesn't get much better than that.

Written for The Metal Observer
http://www.metal-observer.com/