Allegedly Records – 21 Feb 2025
Mixing thought provoking lyrics with a punchy melodic sound
Modern Day Ghost is the fourth full length album release from Pittsburgh’s City Escape Artist. This was my first introduction to this band, but definitely not my last. Because of my short attention span, I appreciate an album full of short songs- all less than four minutes long. But not to worry, the album doesn’t fly by.
The opening track “Invitation” instantly pops and gives us a 55 second instrumental appetizer of what’s to come. Stand out tracks for me were “Modern Day Ghost” which shows relentless progression and proves the band can effortlessly marry fast and melodic. “Like Cash” takes on a romantic vibe and is the best track on the album. “Tyrannical Teens” talks about the punk ethos of having to conform to a system you don’t believe in. Things slow down with “Passageway” which lets singer David Wince have an opportunity to showcase his vocals.
The overall production of this album is amazing. It features great vocals and the rhythm section provides a driving force to be reckoned with. The cover art gives off some serious Walking Dead vibes as you see a couple holding hands and staring at a burning Pittsburgh cityscape.
City Escape Artist classify themselves as melodic punk. For those of you who prefer harder stuff and fans of Bad Religion and Face to Face give them a listen.
I am heading to Pittsburgh in May, hoping I can check them out live. Fingers crossed they’ll make their way to Chicago soon.
Bandcamp (CD, digital DL)
Spotify
