Old Haunts, the latest album by Edmonton-based artist Neon Ghouls (the creative moniker of JQ), is a tribute to both the eerie and the electric, combining retro synth-pop tones with dark, haunting themes. The album, released in full on October 5, weaves danceable beats and chilling lyrics together, creating a sonic journey through the perspectives of classic monsters.
The title track sets a cinematic tone with pulsing synth and an irresistible beat, evoking images of a neon-lit, deserted cityscape. The reverb-laden vocals carry a contemplative, slightly melancholic edge as JQ sings of revisiting past memories that linger like ghosts.
In “Fresh White Sheets,” JQ channels a ghostly character coming to terms with life after death in a strikingly upbeat track. The song’s vibrant synth-wave rhythm and catchy chorus reveal a sense of liberation as the ghost embraces its new afterlife, with the lyrics “I’ll still come alive / When I put on these fresh white sheets.”
“Howl” is a high-energy track that combines booming rhythms with a delicate, almost childlike vocal delivery from JQ, bringing a unique innocence to the supernatural theme. The song’s pounding beat and infectious synth riffs transport listeners to a shadowy dance floor, where the night is young, and the neon lights pulse amid lyrics conjuring a yearning werewolf that prowls the city, craving connection. The guitar solo amplifies the suspense and urgency, creating an unforgettable, primal climax.
Closing out the album, “Midnights” shifts gears with its downtempo, atmospheric soundscape. Here, JQ’s voice drops to a breathy, grainy lower register, adding a haunting richness to the melody. The way her voice rises to a delicate falsetto in the first chorus really sensationalizes the sobriety. The lingering piano outro closes the album on a somber, reflective note.
Old Haunts by Neon Ghouls is the perfect soundtrack for your Halloweens, so check it out this spooky season.
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Review by: Naomi Joan