From surf twang to abrasive depth: GHOSTWOMAN at The Dome, London
How do duos sound larger than a five-piece band?
For Ghostwoman, there’s an argument that Ille Van Dessel’s drums fill any space left in the room. Or that it’s Evan Uschenko’s evaporating, gritty guitar riffs that fuzz right through your chest. Certainly, the combination of both filled The Dome on Thursday for their one-off London special before heading to Europe.
The 70s soundtrack style of the band’s earlier records was brought into 2024 with passion from the duo despite confessing their tiredness from touring.
But this summery, surf twang has slowly dissipated amongst a heavier, darker feel with their newer tracks, like Bonehead, taking precedence in the show.
Watching Ille Van Dessel was like watching an inspirational montage of someone training for the most important show of their life.
Underneath a blue and red spotlight, they delivered meandering intros that sailed you through the lazy river and into the gut-wrenching drops of the speed slide.
There were moments of deep listening mixed with more energetic bursts that spiked the dopamine.
For a duo with no new music this year, they captured and worked with the crowd’s anticipation. And if their older tracks can still draw an audience and the celebrations that they did, I do not doubt that they’ll become a Ghostduo just yet.