By Jane McDonald
Moments before starting their set, Ghost Tapes vocalist Ishka digs through a barrel of scrap fabric at creative reuse store and Head Room Session venue ReCreative Denver. She is searching for pocket square sized swatch to compliment her 70’s style leisure suit. She selects a multi-colored graphic print that that echos the vibrant colors of the band’s t-shirt pockets and her orange tinted sunglasses. She prepares to take the stage, PBR in hand.
This playfulness is evident in Ghost Tapes’ performance. Opening with the song Want the World, the band nimbly navigates classic genres, clearly enjoying themselves — a vibe that spreads to the audience. Their second track Remember delves into the personal, opening with the line “so you think you want to ghost me too,” relaying the history of a relationship undone. Ishka successfully dabbles with spoken word mid-song, keeping the listener on their toes throughout this up-tempo number.
Photo by Adrian Padilla
Before beginning their final track entitled At Times, Ishka requests that the audience join her in deep breathing, which ultimately become the background beat for the song. This non-linear track is a great vehicle for displaying her range from low baritone to songbird sweet. Off of their 2017 self-titled LP, At Times is the only released track in their session, with tour on the horizon promising newness.
A fitting band name, Ghost Tapes has an ethereal quality only enhanced by the abandon of drummer Will and lyrical stylings of Ishka. Self-described as modern soul, their music takes the listener on a journey unlimited by time, place or genre. Since recording HRS #34, Ghost Tapes has been busy playing gigs, including Denver’s essential summer festival: The Underground Music Showcase. Ghost Tapes Autumn Equinox Tour begins this fall, with a handful of shows in New Mexico and Colorado.