Jesse Cash's solo project Ghost Atlas is something that I've half-listened to. I put on the full-length record All Is in Sync, and There's Nothing Left to Sing About a few years ago, but for some reason I only remember the first three tracks. I don't even count that album as one that I've heard, because I don't have any recollection of the other nine tracks.
But of course, I was excited to hear that he was releasing a new album. I may not have had to experience the full gruel of the six-year wait, but I still went "finally!" in my head as if I had been a longtime fan of his anyways. His work in ERRA is astounding to say the least, but he takes on a different sound and persona on this project.
The moment the song starts, I'm thrown right back into the sound and vibe of his previous record. He hasn't lost his touch at all, and it only sounds better and better. I've always loved how he can make simple instrumentation so captivating underneath his vocals, and the sound feels right at home for me.
His lyricism has always been formidable but a lot of the lines on this song stuck with me. The first verse is perfect, every single line is golden, especially with the last line and how he separates "progenitors to a future generation" from "of wounds", god, that hit so hard the first time around.
I can always count on Jesse to deliver some of the best vocal melodies and performances I've ever heard. The chorus is addicting, and that extended section is such a good follow-up. He has some tasteful cadences in the second verse that I kept going back to as well, it's all in the details but he nails it perfectly.
Making the bridge a 7/8 time signature section was a really fun choice, and he pulls off the subversion without any of the off-kilter weirdness. For someone who can push guitar technicality to its limits (see: Gungrave), he seems to be perfectly capable of the simple-but-effective riffwork as well, the guitar melody on this bridge accentuates the odd rhythm like you wouldn't believe.
Lesser Gods is only the first single for the album and I love it so much already. Despite having only a month to impress me before my year end list was finalised, it flew straight into 71st place (which is a feat considering how volumous my listening was for 2023). With any album, I hope for a deep cut to take the place of being my favourite over the singles, but I won't mind if Lesser Gods remains on top after the album releases. Hoping for a killer album though.
Rating: 4/5