little image’s KILL THE GHOST (DELUXE) Brings Candid Lyrics to Soaring Sounds
By: Shannon Dutra
Dallas-based indie rock band little image released the deluxe version of their third album KILL THE GHOST on July 10. The band, consisting of lead singer and guitarist Jackson Simmons, bass and synth player Brandon Walters, and drummer Troy Bruner, expands on their texture-heavy, atmospheric sound. KILL THE GHOST (DELUXE) cements this act as one to watch live on a grand stage. Their meditative reflections on growing up, death, and the emotional cost of moving on are layered with a gritty sound and moving lyricism—some of the many reasons little image stands out from the rest.
Originally released in March, KILL THE GHOST is an album driven by tight basslines, aggressive synth-driven tracks, textured guitar riffs, and soaring vocals covering the struggles of human life. With synth-heavy tracks such as THE PRESSURE and NOVACAINE, the record holds a monumental sound. REAL ESTATE features a ninety-second interlude, showcasing the band’s dedication to experimentation and their interest in pushing the boundaries of conventional song structures.
The deluxe version gave fans three new tracks: THAT’S LIFE, THE NARCOLEPTIC, and KILL THE GHOST (ACOUSTIC). These songs develop the original record’s themes and sounds even further, confirming they’ve mastered executing their artistic vision.
THAT’S LIFE is a thematic track about the relentlessness of life. A long, brooding chorus is the notable feature: “That's life / No matter how you fill the cup / It'll never measure up / That's life / And every time you break it down / You can never stack it up That's life / There's too much on the table / But not much left to break / I'm burning out / 'Cause everybody's telling me that's life.” On display are Simmons’ strong vocals, which soar when needed and retreat into the background when the sparkling guitar and drums take center stage.
THE NARCOLEPTIC houses a devastating bridge both sonically and lyrically. Right before the chorus, this track suddenly goes quiet before voluminous vocals, drums, and guitars come in: “My head hit the steerin' wheel last night / I'm so out of body / Saw my life in the rearview, speed of light I'm suddenly sorry / For all I've never minded / I'm sleepin' through the lightning / Almost lost my life to rеalize / That it was never minе.” The swelling fostered a type of cinematic intensity in this part. The guitars glitter while vocals soar, and the chorus makes its mark as a catchy hook that sticks after the track ends. These radiant elements make THE NARCOLEPTIC feel hopeful and bright.
KILL THE GHOST (ACOUSTIC) is a wonderful treat for fans. Stripped down to the essentials, this version of the song brings the record to a satisfying end.
At its core, KILL THE GHOST (DELUXE) solidifies little image as a band honing in on their sound. There is at least one experimental aspect on each of these tracks, and the consistent indie pop sound keeps it grounded and cohesive. little image is a small band that makes tracks that sound grand and honest. With so much originality in little image’s discography, listeners are bound to be on the lookout for their next release.
