Since breaking through with 2014's atmospheric single "Blood Stutter," Boston singer/songwriter Tim Noyes has transformed
Handsome Ghost from his own intimate bedroom pop project into a collaborative electronic-tinged duo. It's a transformation he showcases on the band's full-length debut album, 2018's yearning and buoyant
Welcome Back. Working with bandmate, producer, and instrumentalist Eddie Byun, Noyes has crafted a batch of poignantly romantic anthems that build nicely upon the band's previous EPs. While
Handsome Ghost's sound is still essentially centered on Noyes' earnest acoustic songs, he fleshes each track out when working with Byun, adding in just the right amount of electric guitar, piano, keyboards, and electronic beats. Cuts like "Reckless Lover," "Fool," and "Indian Summer" are heartfelt, lyrical songs that balance melodic balladry and hooky, synthy pop. Similarly, tracks like the opening "Shallow City" and "Here's to Endings" are epic, sparkling, slow-burn jams that speak to Noyes' deeply cinematic pop skills. ~ Matt Collar