I’ve always had an affinity for music that’s originated in Manchester. From the extraordinary Factory Records catalogue to the atonal angst of The Fall, to the Britpop genius of The Verve and Oasis, or the early nineties club beats of 808 State…I could carry on ad infinitum.
I’ve always wondered how some cities seem to continually produce a disproportionate number of talented musicians. How it is that an industrial centre like Manchester has had the power to shape the world’s musical landscape. I’m sure there are a plethora of theories on the internet but that’s wormhole I’ll leave for another day. ?
Falling Ghost, embodied by the immensely talented Daniel Sweeney, is the latest artist to emerge in Manchester’s continuing musical history. His debut single, “Be Careful What You Wish For”, has a distinct British soul feel to it and holds undertones of Manchester alumni Simply Red or their 1980’s Brixton contemporaries Bronski Beat. Despite those dated references, this song is immediately current. Sweeney’s flawless voice is layered beautifully into the subtlety of synths and desolate beats to create a mood of solitude and yearning.
This song plays as a contemplative warning from someone walking the empty Manchester streets at dawn reflecting on the weight of his life’s decisions. A sombre reminder that our ego driven aspirations for the future have the potential power to manifest and then in turn to fail us. “Be Careful What You Wish For” tells its cautionary prose in soft and delicate measures. Gently reminding us that maybe the present isn’t so bad after all. This is the lead off single from Falling Ghost’s forthcoming album “Pure O” and I’m very interested in hearing the rest of it. Sweeney’s lyrical voice has immense potential and I’m certain this is merely the beginning of something that will stand alongside his city’s iconic predecessors.
![Mandy James [Guest Author]](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=20&d=identicon&r=g){kind=avatar}
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