Dialup Ghost first caught my eye with their 2018 EP release; particularly the cover art depicting some clipart of an individual mainlining a computer directly into their veins. That combination of band name and imagery hooked me instantly. The recordings were DIY and loose but “If You Want To Die” was all you needed to hear to know that this was a band that was capable of writing catchy commentary on the distressing world around us. Over the ensuing years they’ve written plenty of additional noteworthy songs; the sloppy punk anthem “Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn is a Drug Dealer” is a good start but the country-addled friendship ballad “Transphobes and Fascists Hate Our Guts (So What???)” should not be missed. With the release of of their 2024 album May You Live Forever in Cowboy Heaven expectations were high and, unsurprisingly, the band does not disappoint.
Listening to the album start to finish you’re going to be struck by two distinct observations. First, the band has refined their sonic delivery impressively. It’s not that they’ve reinvented themselves but there’s a clarity to these recordings that was missing in the past (perhaps intentionally, perhaps just a product of experience). It’s nice. Secondly, the band does not shy away from style diversity. Trying to take any singular song on the record as an example of what the whole sounds like is an exercise in futility. Opening track “Rhinestones” is driven by acoustic guitar and mournful trumpet, giving funeral dirge vibes. “Small Deck” rides a wave of fiddle unlike the band has ever had before until it erupts into a manic, fiery, guitar solo. “777” floats along on blissful feedback. “Disc Golfing” is an upbeat ditty that feels like a wholesome late 90’s indie classic. The new found sonic improvements brings together this diversity in sound to keep the record from feeling all over the place; it’s a cohesive piece of work that explores a number of ideas quite successfully.
The bands lyrics continue to be a source of earnest interest. Throughout the record there are multiple references to lost family members and the hardships of daily life but it’s not a sad record. In fact, there are so many references to love and friendship and disc golf and invincible stray cats and good bands we all love.. well, it may just be their most positive and uplifting record yet. May You Live Forever in Cowboy Heaven doesn’t shy away from the band’s continued devotion to commenting on the world around them but it seems they’ve built themselves into a loving unit. I can’t say for sure but I’d like to believe you can hear the band smiling together and boosting each other up, making a better life for one another. May we all be so lucky.