Despite Hindsight Is 50/50 being the third album from GHOSTWOMAN in 18 months, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Evan Uschenko believes that this is the first album that “finally captures the true nature of the band”.
Uschenko expains that “the first two albums were never meant to be albums: they are like pages from diaries that have long since been burned. With the introduction of Ille van Dessel as co-writer/drummer, the project feels like it has a direction”. There is a confidence and assurance that feels built upon the 2022 eponymous debut and the follow-up Anne, If, which was released at the beginning of this year.
There is a darker, denser feel compared to previous releases, but the sound and vibe of this album is more akin to what the project was supposed to be when it started in 2016, finally realising GHOSTWOMAN’s creative vision. Sonically the album holds itself together within a warm, analogue sound world, but with few digestible vocal melodies steering the tracks or easily giving up their meaning. This is a conscious decision, with Uschenko claiming that “there is never a concept when it comes to creating something, and no intention behind anything we create, other than to make noise and complete an album”.
Vocals come drenched in reverb and meaning is often suggested rather than explicit. The guitar sare heavier and the vocals are less easily discernible. So immerse yourself in this album and tell your friends about it without the benefit of hindsight, 20/20 or otherwise.
The album is released on limited edition vinyl, CD and digital on 24 November 2023.