When he’s not working as a psychotherapist, NYC singer-songwriter Jim Andralis dedicates his time to expressing what being alive means to him, like on his fifth and most recent album, Ghosts. A founding member of The Isotoners, a comedic punk band that emerged around the turn of the century, he gradually transitioned to a solo career by performing at local venues and consistently dropping albums over the past six years.
Contrary to what the title might suggest, Andralis’ fifth full-length project is a celebration of life told through personal experiences and melancholic guitar-driven eulogies seeking to uplift rather than bring down.
“Something in me cannot fathom that people can exist one second and be gone the next,” said Andralis on his website. “I hate it. It happens all the time and it always levels me. And music somehow is the answer. When I sing, I connect with all of them, all of me, and anyone listening who’s willing to go there with me.”
Ghosts opener “The Worst Thing” tackles Andralis’ discontent with death head-on, delicately crooning over an acoustic guitar as backing vocals surround him like the many ghosts he acknowledges throughout the album. However, even when grief seems never-ending, the lyrics reassure that “It’s really not the worst thing / To not let down your guard.” Similarly, “You” honors his late vocal coach Barbara Maier Gustern through lush instrumentation that brings in light as he details what it was like after the news reached him.
Amid the explorations of complex topics such as loss and love, the record has glimmers of optimism that serve as much-needed remedies. “Manhattanhenge” is perhaps the best example of the album’s careful balance between the positive and not-so-positive prospects of an afterlife, with the song observing the former. Alongside his husband Larry Krone, whom he often performs with in the NYC area, they sing impassionately with a sole guitar between them and subtle drums in the background.
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After a quick look at the tracklist, it’s immediately apparent how important collaboration is for Andralis. His history in The Isotoners would have been enough proof, but the inclusion of his live band, The Syntonics, and Krone back the album’s reaffirming hope in life. As someone who’s been making music perhaps longer than most musicians making it big right now have been alive, the fact that he still manages to find revelations in his songwriting proves he’s the type of artist willing to push themself whenever possible.
Words: David Sosa
Ghosts by Jim Andralis is out now on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential tour dates, follow him on Instagram and his website.
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