Description
Perth’s Methyl Ethel continue to explore meaty subjects through vibrant sounds on Are You Haunted? Their fourth LP challenges us to take a ghost tour of our personal history, conjuring ideas of memory, past friends, and paths not taken, but primarily, Methyl Ethel Want To Lift Your Spirits On ‘Are You Haunted’? Beloved for their complex approach to Aussie pop rock, Methyl Ethel found themselves three albums and three EP’s deep into their discography when approaching the idea of a new project.
Despite its profound themes, Are You Haunted? is palatably packaged with playful riffs and experimental arrangements, lending the album a spirit of vitality. In this way, frontman and producer extraordinaire Jake Webb allows us to compulsively consume one track after the next, despite its heavy themes. Webb’s voice rises above the mix on tracks like “Ghosting” against rippling piano. Inherently emotional and soaring in range, the frontman’s pure, quavering falsetto adds yet another layer to his evocative themes. Combining (often) dark and (always) thoughtful lyrics with unexpected instrumentation or obscure samples. Entrancing and emotive, Are You Haunted? hooks its listeners and urges you to unravel over repeated listens. Pertinent to our current moment of uncertainty and introspection, Methyl Ethel are as assured and idiosyncratic as ever.
