Love Ghost x Waynewood x Millie Smoke – “Junkie”

Alternative rock and rap & hiphop might be at opposite polar ends of the musical spectrum, but the genres have formed a symbiotic relationship over the decades, highlighting and bridging longstanding cultural gaps. They may be sonically different, but the two are kindred spirits in terms of energy and purpose. Rappers and rockers alike embrace eccentricity and the unconventional, as each genre makes room for theatrics. Both are loud and provocative — visually and thematically. Considering that Love Ghost leader, Finnegan Bell was inspired by the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, Lil Peep, City Morgue, and $uicideboy$, it’s not surprising that the group has started to seriously embrace this musical hybrid in recent releases.

Love Ghost’s latest single, “Junkie”, finds core members, Finnegan Bell [lead vocals, guitar], Ryan Stevens [bass, backing vocals], Daniel Alcala [guitar, engineer, backing vocals], Samson Young [drums, backing vocals], and Cory Batchler [keys, backing vocals], joining forces with Louisiana powerhouse singer Waynewood, and edgy crossover songstress Millie Smoke. It ushers in the umpteenth sonic switch for Love Ghost in a spectacularly unified, gritty and emotive fashion.

Everything sounds smoother, less intrusive, yet seems bigger. The sound. The guitars. Finnegan Bell’s inimitable croon, mixed with the outstanding tones from the features. Add lyrics of emotional and physiological strife, and what you are left with is another one of the true Love Ghost masterpieces.

“Demons in my head, talking so loud, I can’t hear a word you say. Live fast, die young, I can’t see another way,” proclaims the song. Line after line the messages of yearning, desperation and destruction hit you straight in the head.

“Junkie” is a track that comes at such a pivotal time in Love Ghost’s career, setting them up for greater future success and cementing their ability to deliver authentic crossover bangers. But it’s the extras here that are the enticement.

Waynewood and Millie Smoke add an urgent edge to the Love Ghost sound, turning this into a killer track and vocal combination. Every release under the Love Ghost name, no matter the lineup, has been impressive. But there’s something special about “Junkie”.

“Junkie” has all the heart and grit of previous Love Ghost favorites, but with a diverse, all-embracing production quality, a blend of melody and edgy urgency, as well as a world-weary sense of wisdom to boot.

are moments of distinction however; the resonating vocal performances during the verses, beautiful subdue the soaring guitars behind it. The mellifluous hook presents some desirable ear-warming listening, while the final verse screams with abrasive insistence, intertwining with the forward churning guitar riffs.

“Junkie” blazes with sharp-edged lyricism and an impressive amount of musical cohesion in the arrangement. In fact, it is probably the best assembled vision of Love Ghost’s grungy hip-hop-garnished hybrid sound to date.

Knowingly, or unwittingly, Love Ghost is playing a major part in making alternative rock a relevant genre in today’s ever evolving market. “Junkie” sounds like a band embracing all the potential of their resources with vigor and confidence, in the service of an ambitious creative vision.