Ghost Hounds - First Last Time (2023)

By Mike O’Cull

Pittsburgh’s Ghost Hounds demonstrate once again why they rule the new generation of classic rock-influenced bands on their fourth studio release First Last Time.

The new set comes out July 28th, 2023 on the Gibson Records imprint and shows off Ghost Hounds’ strong riff-and-lyric-based sound in a major way. The band writes straight-up, guitar-centric blues/rock that combines a snapping rhythm section, guitar and songwriting firepower, and high-value vocals to create original songs that impact the human soul like the greats of old without ever imitating any of them. That trick sounds a lot easier than it actually is and pulling it off requires a deep, nuanced understanding of what makes timeless rock and roll. Ghost Hounds are clearly in possession of said understanding and use it intuitively, stacking up song after song that you simply must hear again.

The current Ghost Hounds lineup is lead singer Tré Nation, guitarists and songwriters Thomas Tull and Johnny Baab, bassist Bennett Miller, keyboardist Joe Munroe, and drummer Blaise Lanzetta. They’re a tight, agile unit that has cut a swath through the contemporary rock scene with a style full of tough grooves, big hooks, and true rockstar presence. The group has recorded a solid body of work, toured with top artists including The Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Bob Seger, and ZZ Top, and blown the roofs off of more venues than can be counted. They have the unique ability to get inside the songs they play and make the baseline sounds and attitudes of genuine rock and roll relevant for a new generation of listeners.

First Last Time opens with “Last Train To Nowhere,” one of the best songs on the album. It’s a heavy, swampy blues/rock track that conveys the thoughts of a person realizing that they have passed through this life without making a mark on it and are now just running out the clock. Vocalist Tré Nation gives the lyrics a dramatic performance with that big voice of his and will pull you into the existential despair of the tune’s main character. Behind him, the band lays down a dynamic beat topped with snarling guitars but it’s the story that wins the day here. Spin it once and you’ll never forget it.

In contrast, “First Last Time” is a somber, mid-speed breakup song that gets handled with kid gloves by the entire group. It has gentle feel to it, even though its subject matter is difficult, and comes across like it was written from a place of hard-won wisdom. Blaise Lanzetta’s drumming is crucial to the song’s strength and he knows how to keep the emotions of it from boiling over. Everyone else playing an instrument is down in his pocket and they all get behind Nation’s vocals in that perfect, unspoken way.

“Make It Shake” is full-throttle Southern Rock writ large. Ghost Hounds rock with abandon on it, delivering a swaggering, hip-shaking rock and roll experience that will light you up in a hurry. The guitar team of Thomas Tull and Johnny Baab works this one just right, laying down a wall-to-wall carpet of gritty lead and rhythm parts that could cover a stadium. Overtop, Nation proves why he may just be the best non-metal rock singer in the game right now. His vocal sound and phrasing are both breathtaking and motivational. Simply put, he makes you want to get up and join the party.

The whole of First Last Time is full of highlights, including some terrific deep cuts. The minor key, Wild West vibe of “Here No More” will leave your heart on the wide-open plains and the band’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s country gem “Hot Dog” is rough, revved-up, and priceless. Just picking this tune over the more obvious parts of the Zeppelin catalog gets Ghost Hounds near the top of the “cool bands” list. First Last Time is a mighty set of new music from one of the USA’s most entertaining and rump-kicking present-day bands. Just get it, already.