Song Premiere: “Talking to Your Ghost,” The Reconstructed

June 28, 2019 Ken Templeton

The Reconstructed just released its latest album, Great North Wind, and it’s full of the paradoxes and tensions that make people sit down and write songs to try to make sense of the world. “Talking to Your Ghost” is emblematic of the record, in a way. At first listen, you’re immediately taken in by a great hook; and after multiple spins, you really hear how much space the players in this band allow each other—there’s so much happening beyond the basic rhythm and melody of the song, little notes here and there to add depth and texture. There’s a wryness to the lyrics that I just love: “You tell me that you’re telling a lie, but I don’t believe you.”

Songwriter and lead singer Martin England says, “‘Talking to Your Ghost’ is my favorite song on the record. It’s super fun to play live, and always gets people going.” Considering where this song came from, England says, “It was inspired by my gratitude of being married to the world’s most amazing woman, and how, even after twenty-two years, we can still surprise and delight each other with humor and romance. It’s about connectedness, even if it sounds otherwise.” Even if it sounds otherwise. That’s what I love about this band and this record: there are layers to every song, and the paradoxes lead you to deeper truths.

Martin and his wife Jen are a collective force in the New England music community. They have curated a great run of shows and now an amazing music festival, Revel in the Meadow. But they also run Continuum Arts Collective, a non-profit dedicated to supporting young people who experience barriers pursuing the arts. For some kids, buying a guitar or paint supplies isn’t in the cards; for others, they really need mentorship. CAC meets each kid where they are, and tries to fill the gap. It’s an amazing labor of love and I urge you to check it out.

But the biggest news today is that you can catch The Reconstructed opening for The Drive-By Truckers on Sunday at Prescott Park! As always, the line-up for this summer of concerts in Portsmouth is amazing. Where else can you see acts of this caliber for a $10 donation? Get out there, my friends!