Ghoulies album coverWith an lively fusion of punk and blues, The Ghoulies deliver a pulse that revitalizes your spirit and love of rock n’ roll. The ensemble is comprised of Adam Moore (vocals, guitar), Jake Yergert (guitar), brother Dan Yergert (bass guitar), and Connor Randall (drums). Some of their major influences include AC/DC, Foxboro Hot Tubs, the Raconteurs, and the Misfits. They also love an array of old blues guitarists.
The most refreshing aspect of this group is their innately groovy bounce amidst a classic punk sound, which is at the heart of all of their best tracks. This is largely due to the way the band came to be. The Ghoulies’ formation initially occurred in their adolescent years and their taste reflected that stage of anger, change, and expression. For one member in particular, punk rock provided a soundtrack to his struggle. The band’s drummer, Connor Randall, had two heart-transplant surgeries. While recovering from his second, he discovered Green Day. With their (at the time) recent release of American Idiot, they had reinvigorated the punk sound and were unlike anything he had heard before. The legendary group spoke to him, and that voice can still be heard in the every drum beat. As a whole, The Ghoulies were influenced by pop punk bands and eventually started playing their own ska punk music.
With the addition of Jake Tergert, the band evolved into a more original incarnation of rock n’ roll sensibilities. “When Jake joined the band, he added a lot of blues and rock and roll. He’s always insisting-no matter how technical or interesting a song is-if it doesn’t groove, it’s worthless.” said bassist Dan Yergert on behalf of the band. That sentiment echoes true in their best tracks, such as “Triggerfinger,” “Vagabond,” and “Gasoline,” which all maintain an insatiable groove while cultivating an instinctive familiarity. But when it comes right down to it, the band keeps it simple. “Basically, we just play what we want to hear.” remarked Dan Yergert.
Each member fell in love with music in their adolescence because it was a means to their growth. “It gave us a sense of attitude and character that was hard to find elsewhere,” Dan affirmed. “For the first time, we had an undeniable sense of self.” This actualization has led four individuals to come together over a shared passion to create the kind of music that moves them. But it’s much more than that. The way that bands like Green Day and AC/DC have shepherded countless through the uncertain roads of adolescence, maybe, just maybe, will be the same way The Ghoulies ring true for some faceless kids in the crowd.