Chasing Ghosts
After hearing their songs and, probably more importantly, the stories between the songs I felt more educated on a subject that I embarrassingly knew very little (if anything) about.
In the middle of '22 I went to see Bodyjar. They were touring their then newish New Rituals album (it's good - very Bodyjary, but has a bit more of a mature sound, maybe). There were two support acts - LOLA, and Chasing Ghosts.
I'd seen LOLA previously. Teenage skate/surf/drinking/partying punk. It's perfect for reminiscing about my own teenage years. Give them a spin or buy their album.
Chasing Ghosts were completely new to me. After hearing their songs and, probably more importantly, the stories between the songs I felt more educated on a subject that I embarrassingly knew very little (if anything) about. The history taught in high school in the 90s didn't mention the massacres. The atrocities perpetrated by the white settlers. It wasn't even hinted at to tempt you to go and do your own research.
Summer tells the story of the 1956 Towel Creek Massacre from the perspective of the only survivor. You can read about the massacre here: https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/detail.php?r=620
You should also listen to the unplugged version of Summer. There's a preamble to the track on the unplugged album. Have a listen below.
While I was standing there in the crowd at Jive, it dawned on me that Chasing Ghosts is one of the most important active bands in Australia. I came away more educated. Curious. Furious. Determined to learn more. And I have. And you should too.
Have a listen to Chasing Ghosts. See them play. Get curious. Get furious.
