JERIKO TURNPIKE’S NEWEST ALBUM, “MEMORY GHOST” (REVIEW: By Rachelle Flava Rae Greenberg) 

Today I bring you an album review of one of my favorite local bands, Jeriko Turnpike. Having not released any new material since “Back to the Start” (released in 2011), Their newest album, Memory Ghost, has been one of most anticipated album releases of the year. They started recording back in July and finished in December/January (but the release was pushed back due to Covid 19). After absorbing this album, I can confidently say, it has been well worth the wait! 

For those of you who don’t know, JT is Chris Carbonaro-drums, McLean Mannix-vocals, guitar, Jerrell Baker-bass. Memory Ghost is the product of a lot of hard work, determination & time from everyone involved. These musicians, along with the experience and talent at All Access Recording Studio worked tirelessly to put out an album of this quality. What you will hear is nothing less than their heart and soul which was poured into each these 11 songs. In fact, it is so recognizable that the finished product can only be justifiably described as a masterpiece. 

When I finished hearing the first song, “Rejuvenation”, I just had to go back & increase the decibels…. To put this another way, I would highly recommend listening to it on volume 11 (we all have a dial on our players for “those” special songs)! “Lucid Child” takes you on a rock journey that I would compare to the sound, or better yet feeling you get when listening to your favorite STP song. In fact, All Access Recording Studio is working with JT in production of a music video. 

The third song, “Dream Sequence”, easily could be the break away song on this album! Chris melts our face completely off with his drumming sequences that change tempo perfectly to compliment the colorful lyrics. With their fourth song, “One Last Chance” you can hear the influence of The Fab Four, while a distinctive highlight of wonderful harmony. This could easily be my favorite song on this album. 

If you’ve seen JT live, there is a possibility that you’ve heard the song “Relapse”. With a familiar, yet very fresh sound, sure to be a favorite of JT fans. Some of the songs were written over 20 years ago, such as; Save Me, Be My Memory and Sunrise (which features percussion by Gumbi Ortiz), but you would never know it as the lyrics are still relatable and just as meaningful today. 

I asked McLean Mannix a bit more about the name “Memory Ghost” (since it implies a deeper meaning). He explained, “It actually means something that reminds you of your past.” He first heard this term years ago after his mom went to a high school reunion and a man called her a memory ghost. Digging deeper, I asked how he came up with the ideas for these songs? “Three of them were already written, but the others…. Well, some of them came from a guitar lick, some from a chord progression, occasionally from a melody, or even just a title. I don’t really have a formula on how I write”. After inquiring more about the song Preach, he told me, “It started off as a jam with the band, and later I put lyrics to it, so that song was written by all of us.” McLean has the utmost respect for his fellow band mates, and speaks of them with tremendous respect. 

Let’s be clear, there are no fillers on this album. Each song legitimately stands on it’s own. Being way too difficult to choose which is my absolutely favorite, I won’t even bother trying. Run out (don’t walk) and make the best purchase of your life by buying your new favorite album, Memory Ghost. Side note, hats off to Chris on the artwork for the cover. 

( New “JERIKO TURNPIKE” record is now released! Recorded at All Access Recording Studio. Producer Ronnie Dee and Engineer Doug Johnston)

 

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