Buffalo alternative band Stress Dolls returns with their second single, “Ghostwriter”. Singer/songwriter Chelsea O’Donnell tackles the concept of anxiety, brought to life on the music video that followed the October release.
“Ghostwriter” is a haunting track that taps into the idea of anxiety as this external element that insists on changing the narrative, despite our best efforts. The figure of the ghostwriter feels like an imminent threat, ready to strike at any given time. O’Donnell elaborates on the meaning of the song: “I came to recognize it as a metaphor about my relationship to anxiety: I want to be the narrator of my own story, but there are lots of times where I feel like my anxious feelings take the reins, even if I don’t want them to.”
While Stress Dolls’ garage punk energy is very present, “Ghostwriter” incorporates rock and folk elements that create an almost western atmosphere. The cinematic nature of the track is enhanced by a poignant violin solo by multi-instrumentalist Sally Schaefer, allowing the listener to be fully immersed in the story. With complexity and honesty, “Ghostwriter” is a moving depiction of anxiety and its distressing qualities.
Check out the music video for “Ghostwriter” below:
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