Kashena Sampson - Ghost of Me (2025) Hi-Res

This is an interesting album from an extraordinary vocalist, though the promotion lacks accuracy. This “country-folk singer” is closer to Kate Bush & Jane Siberry than true Americana folk-rock, & it’s not psychedelic. Maybe ethereal. The songs have a mystical approach, especially on “Phases,” a hauntingly compelling tune.

The “folk” they speak of isn’t the traditional form, or at least I didn’t detect it. It indeed possesses a deep, dark indie tint. The song “Heartache” even has elements of Lisa Gerrard & Dead Can Dance — closer to medieval than folk. There’s an excellent drum/percussion application, but the soaring instrumentation & strings render the music closer to progressive rock than Americana.

Nonetheless, Kashena Sampson (vocals/guitar) asserts herself admirably throughout with fine power & at the same time sweet vocals on each song. In my estimate, her finest moment is the easy-listening “Fucked Up Love” (really?) that will hamper covers by other artists for a shot at chart consideration. The composition is sincere & superb otherwise. It has European flavors, something a singer like Sarah Brightman & k.d. Lang would appreciate.

There are 9 manifestations to Ghost of Me produced by Jon Estes (bass/guitar/keys/cello/pedal steel) in Nashville. The album is at least consistent with its haunting continuity. Wisely, Kashena doesn’t embellish this idea or approach with too much bombastic seasoning, which is tempting. “Rearview Mirror” & “God” are strong & serious music with heavenly backup voices. But it’s not country, Americana, or folk. I also appreciate that Ms. Sampson doesn’t deliver her material in a showboating manner, though she’s capable. A more Annie Haslam (Renaissance) vocal beauty, classic motif, is found in “Awakening.”

Kashena unknowingly under-sells her work with descriptions of her set in the genres described. This music is far above that realm. It’s not country hoedown music; there are no dance tunes & no sing-alongs. Her voice is only folky in the sense that she’s as adept in tonality as Fairport Convention’s late singer Sandy Denny. But Kashena also has the sinewy strength of Jane Relf (early Renaissance) when she performed LP versions of “Island” & “Wanderer.”