Only Child - Holy Ghosts

  by Steve Kinrade

published: 8 / 6 / 2025

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Alan O’Hare, the creative impetus behind the band Only Child, returns with his affecting and accomplished fifth album, 'Holy Ghosts', a collection of songs recorded at Liverpool’s Crosstown Studios under the watchful eye of producer of Jon Lawton. For over a decade, O'Hare has carved a niche for himself with his emotionally resonant songwriting, and this latest offering solidifies his position as a compelling voice in contemporary music. 'Holy Ghosts' delves into the weighty themes of love and loss, yet crucially, it navigates these often-sombre landscapes with an underlying current of hope, offering a potential spiritual balm for those navigating personal grief. '' The album ignites with the kinetic 'That Fateful Day', a string-laden opener that immediately establishes the emotional core of this latest collection of songs. The stirring arrangement, with its prominent string section, propels the song forward, mirroring the urgency of the lyrical content. O’Hare’s direct and evocative lyrics leave little room for ambiguity, painting a vivid picture of loss with the powerful lines, “A thunderstorm passed away / Just like you did on that fateful day.” This stark imagery sets the stage for a deeply personal yet universally relatable journey through grief, remembrance, and the enduring power of memory. The raw emotion conveyed in O'Hare's vocal delivery further amplifies the song's impact, drawing the listener immediately into his world. A turning point towards solace arrives with 'The Visit', an introspective acoustic piece that offers a moment of quiet reflection. This track provides a comforting perspective on death, finding solace in a dreamlike encounter with departed loved ones. Here, O’Hare explores how memories can act as "films about ghosts," providing opportunities for inner dialogue and a sense of continued connection. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar and the understated arrangement create an intimate atmosphere, allowing the lyrical content to truly resonate. It's a testament to O'Hare's songwriting that he can tackle such a sensitive subject with both vulnerability and respectful grace. 'Different Times' is a beautifully crafted, guitar-driven lament, evoking a past "when God ruled all our lives." The song subtly captures the delicate balance between the need for solitude in grief and the quiet support of those around us. The nuanced guitar work and melancholic melody create a poignant backdrop for O'Hare's reflective lyrics. The reappearance of the title from Only Child’s 2022 compilation in the track 'Looking Forward to Looking Back' serves as a thoughtful nod to the past, adding a layer of continuity to O'Hare's discography. Lyrically rich and thought-provoking, the song takes on an added layer of haunting beauty with the introduction of a poignant fiddle motif - expertly provided by Amy Chalmers - that carries the tune throughout, adding a folktinged texture to the album's sonic palette. The narrative shifts to earlier times with 'I Remember You', a sharp and evocative recollection of schoolyard friendships and the formative moments that shape lasting bonds. O’Hare skillfully traces the evolution of a relationship, highlighting the shared experiences that make up a life lived. The specific details and relatable anecdotes make this track particularly engaging, showcasing O'Hare's ability to craft compelling narratives within his songs. The subtle shifts in tempo and instrumentation throughout the track mirror the ebb and flow of memory itself. The album concludes with the sublimely melancholic 'Brand New Shoes', a track featuring flitting flute and discreet percussion, creating a delicate and ethereal atmosphere. O’Hare’s lyrics offer a sense of renewal, suggesting life as a cyclical experience, potentially ongoing. His classic vocal delivery, imbued with a gentle weariness, gently coaxes our own old memories back to the fore. Despite the underlying theme of loss that permeates the album, 'Holy Ghosts' ultimately champions the enduring power of remembrance and the connections that transcend physical absence. Alan O’Hare’s great ability is to seamlessly blend personal experience with universal emotions, skillfully weaving narratives that resonate deeply with listeners from all walks of life. This fifth album marks a continued artistic evolution for Only Child, showcasing a maturity and depth in both songwriting and performance. However, Jon Lawton’s production deserves significant praise for its polish and clarity, arguably making this O’Hare’s most accomplished work to date. Lawton's meticulous production creates a rich and detailed sonic landscape where each instrument breathes, contributing significantly to the songs' emotional resonance. This, combined with O'Hare's inherent strength in forging an immediate visceral connection through his music and poignant #lyrics, culminates in the tremendously powerful experience that is 'Holy Ghosts'. Through evocative lyrics and carefully crafted music, Alan O’Hare masterfully brings shared life experiences back to the forefront of our minds. 'Holy Ghosts' is more than just an album about loss; it's a testament to the enduring power of love, memory, and the human capacity for hope. It's an album of uplifting melancholy, hinting at a brighter future built upon the positive power of collective memory. Recommended.

Track Listing:-

1 That Fateful Day
2 The Visit
3 Everything I Know
4 Different Times
5 Easter Sunday
6 Looking Forward To Looking Back
7 I Remember You
8 Cathy's Song
9 Dock Road
10 Empty Streets
11 This Mornin'
12 Brand New Shoes

Band Links:-

https://onlychild1.bandcamp.com/album/holy-ghost
http://www.instagram.com/onlychild

Play in YouTube:-

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