Half of Piano Magic formed a new band, and I had no idea

This is one of the most public service broadcast announcement posts I’ve ever written. Piano Magic was a sorrowful, downcast, unconventional gothic-ish folk rock band. They mixed ethereal elegance with sad guitars, gentle vocals, and a lot of piano and synth work. I’d describe their sound as similar to Tunng, but if they toured with Unto Ashes rather than went to the pub first. Alongside traditional songs, the albums often contained spoken word passages with echoey piano backdrops. These mood pieces were part of their signature style, and even though I don’t usually enjoy spoken word tracks, these were an exception.

Piano Magic were great. They called themselves “ghost-rock”, and the band ran from 1996 to 2017. I had no idea that two of the band started their own project… until today!

Theory of Ghosts is a new project from Glen Johnson and Franck Alba. They formed several years ago for two EPs, before releasing their debut album ‘The Sulphur And The Grey’ earlier this year. The name of the band is taken from a Piano Magic song, which you’d think would help them out in the digital algorithm, but clearly I’d missed it entirely! Their sound isn’t a bell’s toll away from Piano Magic’s ethereal rock. It’s centred around a six-string bass, simple guitar, and minimal beats. In 2024, Glen Johnson suffered from a brain haemorrhage, which paused their process, but gave the duo a renewed sense of vigour to record the album when Glen was well enough to do so. We’re glad to have Glen, and Theory of Ghosts with us. Whilst the duo wrote the album, Paul Tornbohm is also part of the extended band as keyboardist.

I’ve selected the closing track ‘Leaves Upon The Breeze’ as an introduction to anyone new to Theory of Ghosts or Piano Magic. It encapsulates their ghost rock vibe that both bands do so well. The six-string bass leads the main melody, whilst the guitar whines like a lonely howl in the night in the background. I appreciate that the vocals are slightly ruffled, too. There’s beauty and wisdom in all the tiny quivers. You can buy the album and follow Theory of Ghosts on Bandcamp.

Support Higher Plain Music

Higher Plain Music is part of the Higher Plain Network – a one-man indie media project. If you like what I do, please consider supporting me using Patreon for as little as $1/£1 a month. In return, you’ll receive additional perks for supporting me, such as behind-the-scenes content and free downloads. You can also donate using PayPal.

If you can’t help financially, then reading and sharing the website helps, too. When you click on an Amazon affiliate buy now link and purchase something on Amazon, I receive a few pence in referral commission. All your support will enable me to produce better content, more often. I’d love to make this a full-time media network, and your support can make that happen. Thank you for helping keep truly independent media alive.