Time Stands Still, Perth’s five piece alternative rock outfit have released their debut album ‘Ghost of Me’. Described by the band as an album that is “firmly planted in Scotland but with a global appeal”, their goals are aspirational and were successfully met throughout the 35 minute run time.
‘Ghost of Me’ proves one thing – rock is not dead, it’s just taken a different shape. It’s a shape that is malleable and flows between sub-genre’s gently, and if you attune your ear carefully you’ll be able to hear a great mix of modern and old influences. Album opener Before the Storm is the best example of Time Stands Still ability to infuse new life into old chords – lead vocalist Liam Hesslewood takes the listener on a journey through the eye of a storm with his gruff style of singing which pairs excellently with the rest of the band hammering out thunderous riffs that are bound to make anybody’s ears perk up.
But the highlight of the album isn’t the opener, oh no, the real crown jewel is placed just before the penultimate track. This is Where it Ends is the culmination of the gathered energy from the opening tracks being shot straight through you. It’s got everything you could want from an album like this; a palm-muted intro to get you geared up, a quick switch to a high-energy race through the chorus, and echoed vocals. Truly, if you’re to listen to one song from Time Stands Still, make sure it’s this one!
If This is Where it Ends fits right in with modern day Linkin Park, then Days Like This is something more similar to Springsteen. The presence of songs like Days Like This and Nowhere keeps ‘Ghost of Me’ from getting repetitive by sounding more like ballads than traditional rock songs, but there’s an unquestionable ever pervasive Scottish blues to the lyrics that Liam pours over that makes everything sound just like home.
‘Ghost of Me’ is an impressive first release from a band that are bound to carve out a space in Scottish rock just from themselves. If you’re itching for some new music to fill the rock shaped hole in your heart, then give Time Stands Still a chance – they might just be the next big thing.
