Holy Ghost (Modern Baseball album)


Holy Ghost is the third and final studio album by the American rock band Modern Baseball, released on May 13, 2016 on Run for Cover Records.] The album follows their third EP, The Perfect Cast, which was released on October 23, 2015, via Lame-O Records, as well as their sophomore studio album, You're Gonna Miss It All, released in 2014, and their compilation album, Techniques, also released in 2015.

Background

Holy Ghost is the first Modern Baseball album that was not recorded by the band themselves—instead, the members obtained the help of Joe Reinhart. The album was recorded at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia.Holy Ghost #cite note-8| The album is split in half between both guitarist/frontmen, Jake Ewald and Brendan Lukens.]Holy Ghost #cite note-10| Ewald's songs mainly revolved around the passing of his grandfather while Lukens focuses on his struggles with mental illness and depression.Holy Ghost #cite note-Tripping in the Dark.28Modern Baseball Documentary.29-11|

Release and promotion

On February 24, 2016, the album was officially confirmed. On March 3, two songs were published online for free via NPR. The first, "Everyday", was written by Jake Ewald and the second, "Apple Cider, I Don't Mind", was written by Brendan Lukens.Holy Ghost #cite note-12| On April 4, the band released a documentary directed by actor and director Kyle Thrash entitled "Tripping in the Dark".Holy Ghost #cite note-Tripping in the Dark.28Modern Baseball Documentary.29-11| The documentary focused mainly on the formation of the band and the making of the album, including Ewald's struggle with his grandfather's death and Lukens' near suicide attempt and subsequent recovery. The video for "Wedding Singer" was released on May 5.Holy Ghost #cite note-13|
Modern Baseball announced plans to tour on March 3, 2016, setting the first dates for shortly after the release of the new album. The tour kicked off on May 25, 2016, with Joyce Manor and Thin Lips opening. On August 3, Modern Baseball announced that they would be supporting Brand New and The Front Bottoms on tour starting in October 2016. At the conclusion of the Brand New tour, Modern Baseball will be playing a string of shows internationally.

Critical reception

The album was met with universal acclaim reviews, most of them noting that Modern Baseball showed growth and maturity with the content of Holy Ghost. Holy Ghost holds a score of 81/100 on Metacritic indicating universal acclaim. On June 4, 2016, Holy Ghost reached No. 53 on the US Billboard 200.

Accolades

Track listing

Personnel

Modern Baseball is: