Lead singer Andy Black from the metal/rock band Black veil Brides just released his 2nd solo album titled “The Ghost of Ohio”. The title track that holds the same name reveals his haunted history located in his hometown Ohio. As Andy mentioned the  purpose of this concept album was to act as a soundtrack for his latest comic book. He mentions in Alternative press that “the focus was to do songs that felt like they represented, in terms of tone, the different emotions of the story.”At first listen I was surprised by the electronic and upbeat sound, since it contrast heavily to the melancholy Gothic songs I was used to listening.

The song uses minimal instrumentation throughout verses that allows you to focus on the story being told. Although, he was looked down upon fans for using auto tune, I believe it was done creatively to create a ghostly sound. The auto tune created echos which gave that haunting aura. His reflective vocals sound as if he is talking to himself, and his echoed voice comes back to haunt him. The echos in his vocals emphasize the haunting concept. As well, the repeated lyric “I am the ghost of Ohio” reflects back past childhood anxieties and obsessions. He constantly assures his listeners that he indeed the ghost looking back into his mentally fearful past.

This song expresses the idea of not feeling like you belong in your hometown, but yet it’s apart of you that you can’t escape. The beauty of this song is that it can connect to those who feel out of place in their roots. The tone of this song seems cheerful despite its melancholy lyrics, and this emotion of feeling confused is exactly what Andy wants to show. Sometimes we don’t know where we belong, but we can’t escape the haunting memories that stay in our hometown.