They call it Nordicana and quite fittingly so. American alt-country and folk tradition is still the starting point for the Danish quartet Homesick Hank on this third album, but returning to record in the Swedish woods, (as they did with 2004s debut ‘Hey’) after recording their second effort ‘Leave It Behind’ (2006) at Paul and Will Oldham’s farm in Kentucky, has seemingly had a strong melancholic effect on the four fellows.

Because ‘Ghosts’ is just that. Melancholic. And mellow. Superbly fitted for the darker times rapidly approaching in this part of the world, with singer Kudre Haan’s torn, fragile voice an expressive messenger in perfect sync with the gentle, detailed compositions, and defining moments in ‘Slave Hunter’ (in the player below), album opener ‘Brother’ and the excellent duet ‘Like Sunshine In Snow’ featuring Solrun Stig.

Considering their band name recording away from home really makes little sense immediately, but then again: Perhaps it’s just what they need to achieve the blues they feel so very comfortable with. Either way it works, and Homesick Hank’s ‘Ghosts’ are definitely worth facing for any fan of americana, or in this case, the Nordic variation.

Genre: Rock/Americana
Who: Homesick Hank
Album: Ghosts
Label: Slow Shark Records/VME
Year: 2009
Country: Denmark
Language: English
DOWNLOAD VIA

Recommended tracks:
Brother – Ghosts – Slave Hunter – Like Sunshine In The Snow – Where Will We Run