The latest single by Judas Goat & The Bellwether, titled ‘Ghosts in the Sand’, is an exquisite piece of alternative folk that builds a rather unforgettable atmosphere with its ominous and hollowed out arrangement, dark and descending compositions, and captivating vocals.
Judas Goat & The Bellwether is an English folk rock duet composed of Pete Vincent and Sara Vian, hailing from Yeovil and Frome, respectively. A love child of a pair of songwriters, ‘Ghosts in the Sand’ is a dark folk cut that is just richly written as it is vividly arranged and characterfully played.
The massive reverbs on the intricate acoustic guitar part is contrasted by a claustrophobic and looming bass part that grounds the sound somewhere deep underground, fitting for such a dark composition that speaks of the themes of purgatory, and the place between life and afterlife. The harrowing theme is explored in the song’s brooding and eerie, descending riff, the charismatic vocals by Vian, and her bone chilling delivery of the song’s unforgettable chorus. Co-produced by Vincent and Vian, this homegrown song has a sound that’s rich and highly focused. Going for a sound that’s warm and intimate, yet with a composition that’s haunting, the duo manage to create a palpable sense of sweet tension akin to huddling around a campfire listening to ghost stories retold by an exorcist.
‘Ghosts in the Sand’ is a beautifully orchestrated piece of folk that could easily do with a full folk metal outfit, distilled to its essence with a great guitar and bass duet to back some fantastic vocal delivery by a talented singer, creating a magical, living, harrowing atmosphere.