Band: Mother Ghost; Musicians: Oscar Flores: Guitar, vocals, programming; and Thomas Flores: Bass, programming, synths and backing vocals

Single: ‘Radio Fantasma;’ Single/Music Video Released: July 6, 2024; Featured on the Album ‘Radio Fantasma;’ Album Released: July 19, 2024; Label: Geodesic Records; Producer: aCr

Contemplating life’s most common anxieties through social commentary is an endearing way for musicians to cope with such heavy themes. Engaging post-punk/new wave band, Mother Ghost is doing just that by tackling such serious themes as police brutality, class struggles and the longing for family on their recently released album, ‘Radio Fantasma.’

The Houston-based group is comprised of brothers Oscar and Thomas Flores. Together they drew inspiration from the DIY aggression of post-punk, the infectious grooves of new wave and the hard-hitting drums of house music on their latest record. The duo put together an eclectic sound on the 13-track LP, with its industrial title song being a true standout.

Mother Ghost, who also released the video for the ‘Radio Fantasma’ single earlier this month, crafted an alluring auditory and visual aesthetic for the tune. The Flores brothers directed the video with co-helmer and director of photography Diego Trevino. Together, they created a piece that would fit perfectly in the electrifying rhythms of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s dance music of such similar bands as New Order, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and Daft Punk

The music video is a tribute to classic Mexican luchador and buddy cop movies from the 1980’s, complete with freeze frames. It features brawling boxers in a dimly lit ring. Still wearing their luchador masks to their next escapade, the boxers’ adventures are gritty and bold.

The track also highlights the driving riffs and experimental nature of the modern-day post-punk scene. Thomas’ vibrating bassline, experimental composition styles, Oscar’s evocative vocals and the brothers’ Latin heritage drive the titular song. As a result, ‘Radio Fantasma’s music video pays tribute to the genre’s past, while also firmly placing it in the 21st century.

Written largely during the early pandemic, the Flores brothers were happy, in retrospect, to have the time to explore new sounds while they recorded the album. The ‘Radio Fantasma’ single and overall record are about the anxieties of everyday life, and the things that helped them get through to the next day.

Those personal experiences and social grievances really shine through on the tune, with both brothers leaning into their punk anger. Thomas’ bass and synth blend both menacing and hopeful vibes. Meanwhile, Oscar’s guitar riffs and vocals also capture the post-punk, new wave sound.

Mother Ghost took the time to create one of the most raw and honest post punk singles and LPs of the decade with ‘Radio Fantasma.’ The musicians chronicles the desire to seek a fresh start while maintaining their connection to their family and culture on the personal track and its emotionally raw video.

For more information on Mother Ghost, visit their official website, as well as their Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Bandcamp and SoundCloud pages.