Chasing Ghosts founder, frontman, and chief songwriter Jimmy Kyle dives deep into challenging themes, fearlessly crafting songs that touch on the harsh realities of life. His nerves in tackling these topics serve as proof that he’s onto something meaningful.
The songs draw inspiration from real-life events, such as a friend’s resilience after a hate-crime in “Busted Lung,” the heartbreaking suicide of a mate who served in Afghanistan in “Wear My Medals,” and the emotional aftermath of young parents’ separation in “Kids Raise Kids.”
Jimmy Kyle, a proud Koori, brings a uniquely Indigenous perspective to tracks like “Dig,” “Summer,” and “Hometown Strangers in An Urban Dreaming.” Through these songs, he addresses past, present, and future challenges facing Australia’s First Nations people. His approach aims at facilitating reconciliation and awareness, rather than pointing fingers.
With his storytelling prowess, Jimmy Kyle founded Chasing Ghosts in 2011 as an acoustic solo project. His dedication to exceptional storytelling has been a constant, even as Chasing Ghosts evolved.
Their debut LP, “Confessions From a Phone Booth” (2011), was a bare-bones acoustic journey, followed by the more robust “I Am Jimmy Kyle” (2017) as Chasing Ghosts expanded to a six-piece ensemble.
For their latest work, Jimmy Kyle and his bandmates delved into uncharted territory while staying true to their organic, instrument-driven sound. Their new album features rich bluesy guitar work, vocal harmonies, and lush Hammond B3 organ, all rooted in their punk rock backgrounds.
This collection of music explores a range of emotions, from rousing rock’n’roll to contemplative and somber moments. It’s a testament to their growth and unity as a band, both musically and lyrically.