Handsome Ghost, a Boston-born indie band, might be the next obsession you’ve been looking for. Tim Noyes, a high school English teacher turned musician, is the founder, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Handsome Ghost. He can be considered a lyrical mastermind, and to me, that’s an understatement. Noyes knows exactly how to channel his feelings and experiences into beautiful and enchanting songs you can’t get out of your head.
Broken pieces, we will rise again, from the dirt. No, not beaten, even buildings bend, for what it’s worth.
Weight Of It All
Handsome Ghost got their first leap of stardom in 2014 when the song “Blood Stutter” got over 1.5 million listens on Spotify. Soon after in 2015, he added Eddie Byun to the team and released the album “Steps,” which sent them closer to fame. The spirited and lively tones of the instrumentals contrast perfectly to the album’s overall darker element of Noyes’ struggles growing up. Songs like “Weight Of It All” and “Believers” talk about dealing with the hardships and endeavors that he had to overcome. It’s almost as if the instrumentals’ youthful sound could be interpreted as representing childhood, but the struggles of growing and facing the reality are what lies in the lyrics. Although the songs are dark, they share a sound that you can’t help but bop your head to.
I used to be fearless, you used to be brave. Running through evenings, chasing days. Now we’re so restless waiting for trains, going through motions all the same.
Eyes Wide
In 2016, they released the EP, “The Brilliant Glow,” which featured six songs near and dear to Noyes’ heart. Songs like “Promises” and “Eyes Wide” were among the songs that talked about overcoming your past and how you can improve your life. “Didn’t I Fade” is another song that talked about doing something amazing and feeling so gratified yet knowing your time was coming to an end. The tracks have a warm facade, but what lies in the lyrics can have dark and gloomy messages. Noyes describes himself that way but hopes that listeners can take their own message from his music, whether it be hopeful or just understandable. They showcased their new EP by going on tour with Melanie Martinez, which really got their name out due to Martinez’s large fanbase. This is where I got to meet them and really get a sense of how lovely they are.
But now that it’s over, honey come raise a glass. Here’s to the future, all that we can’t take back.
Better Off
In early 2017, they released three singles, “indian summer,” “beauty/bends” and “Better Off” which will be followed by a new album coming soon! Noyes shared on their website that they are “knee deep into the making of” their newest album!
In the end, Handsome Ghost shows us through their music that what we go through will not last forever and that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Also that they can make some bangin’ music that you can jam to all summer long.
Check out their site for upcoming appearances and music.
