15 Septembre 2023
From CANADA •
Trans-Atlantic alternative neo-folk collective Lusitanian Ghosts present their third long-player 'Lusitanian Ghosts III', released via the European Phonographic label. Recorded and mixed at Clouds Hill Studios in Hamburg by Sebastian Muxfeldt (Elbow, Peter Doherty, Teenage Fanclub), this album is being released in both stereo and mono versions.
A Portuguese-Canadian-Swedish chordophone collective founded by Neil Leyton and Micke Ghost (a.k.a. Mikael Lundin), Lusitanian Ghosts revives lost instruments and presents ancient sounds in the 21st Century. Re-casting these heritage folk violas into rock n roll songs, the European artist collective writes from a socio-political perspective on building a better world, creating songs for the heart and mind, recording on analogue tape and releasing moving music on vinyl.
Together with João Sousa, Abel Beja (from Primitive Reason), ToZé Bexiga (from Raia) and Jan-Eric Olsson, Lusitanian Ghosts plays traditional Portuguese chordophone instruments, ancient regional guitars (Amarantina, Beiroa, Campaniça, Braguesa, Toeira, Terceirense). These instruments, once on the verge of extinction, are the real "Lusitanian Ghosts" (Lusitania being an ancient Celtic tribe in what would become the central territory of Portugal).
"For 'Lusitanian Ghosts III', we wanted to write and record all together, live off the floor, on analogue tape like we used to back in the 20th century. Lyrically, we explored deeper emotional territory than ever before, and sonically we ended up mixing each song twice - in mono and stereo - leading to two different LPs," says Neil Leyton.
"We mixed down from 24-track multitrack analogue to 1/4 inch analogue also, then reeled the machine straight to the mastering suite next door at Clouds Hill, Soundgarden Tonstudio in Hamburg. I know it is a common thing to say, but I'm going to say it is the best record I've ever made."
Earlier, the band previewed 'The Long Train', 'Shameless', 'Got Enough' and the latest single 'September', bringing to the fore the Portuguese folk chordophone violas Amarantina, Campaniça and Terceirense, skilfully played by Michael Lundin, ToZé Bexiga and Abel Beja respectively. Lusitanian Ghosts make music with absolutely no guitars - just chordophones, bass and drums. Although a brand new rock n roll alt-folk sub-genre, these songs feel warmly familiar.
As of September 15, the 'Lusitanian Ghosts III' album can be obtained everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. It will also be released on vinyl, with both mono version and stereo version available.
On October 14, the Ghosts will present the new album live at Lisbon's Teatro Taborda. Folks purchasing this album from FNAC Portugal will also get a complimentary guest-list ticket for this album release show.
"Magnetic appeal... creating a broader cultural and sonic arsenal, while maintaining a buoyancy that takes the listener on a fantastic ride from start to finish"
~ The Spill Magazine
"Lusitanian Ghosts impressively channel tools of the past to create a beautiful sonic vision. Innovative in their use of traditional instruments to make modern pop-rock, this music is upbeat, quirky, feels familiar and is catchy as hell"
~ Big Takeover Magazine
"Highly melodic and sonically great... a pertinent, contemporary collection of songs that is full of dignity" ~ Amplify Music Magazine
"Instinctive captivation for their chordophone cast sound, their use of heritage folk violas to weaving fresh and modern adventures... easily sparked the imagination" ~ Ringmaster Review
CREDITS
Neil Leyton - vocals
Mikael Lundin aka Micke Ghost - vocals and Viola Amarantina
João Sousa - drums and Adufe
Abel Beja - viola Terceira and backing vocals
António “ToZé” Bexiga - Viola Campaniça
Janne Olsson - bass and Viola Beirão
Published by Lusitanian Music Publishing
All songs written by Neil Leyton and Mikael Lundin except "Pure Evil" by Bexiga/Leyton/Lundin
Produced by Neil Leyton and Mikael Lundin
Recorded at Clouds Hill Studios, Hamburg
Engineered & mixed by Sebastian Muxfeldt
Assisted by Schulie Pieper
Mastered by Chris von Rautenkranz at SoundGarden Hamburg
Cover painting ”Hamnen” (The Harbour) by Yngve Forsberg, painted in 1989.
Photography by Katja Ruge.
Design by João Morais aka O Gajo
ALBUM TRACK LIST
1. The Long Train
2. Catwalk
3. Seeds
4. September
5. Vagar
6. Dr. Ana Maria
7. Got Enough
8. Shameless
9. Pure Evil
10. Black Wine White Coffee
11. Bright Lights
Keep up with Lusitanian Ghosts
Website | Bandcamp
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music
DIFFUSION SEPTEMBER, 15, 2023
Lisbon's Teatro Taborda ○ Costa do Castelo 69, ○ 1100-022 Lisboa, Portugal