Thirty minutes before their first-ever gig, the members of the Evanston-based band “Eden’s Ghost” didn’t seem all that stressed out, considering the circumstances. “Everything kinda clicks on stage,” said Imogen Eyler, the lead vocalist for the band. “Today is when we become a band,” added guitarist and backup vocalist Luc R.A. Van Haelewyn.
After an entertaining opener by Edible Dahlias of “Who Put the Bomp” by Barry Mann, Eden’s Ghost stepped up to the stage to perform a curtailed selection of songs from their debut album, “REPEAT AFTER ME!” as well as some unreleased songs, such as “Five Wolves,” where Eyler sits out and lets Porter Skwish, the bassist and the part-time vocalist of the band, scream about how “the six wolves defeated the five wolves.”
The band, led by Van Haelewyn, likes to say that their music is “to be played as loudly as is bearable.” After Ben Henderson, the band’s drummer, offered ear protection to present fans, the group promptly pushed the limits of their motto.
Eden’s Ghost isn’t just built for the studio—they can perform, too. Starting off with everybody’s outfits, the band for the most part is dressed in black and white, with some additional flairs and makeup to complete the 80’s glam rock look that Eden’s Ghost was going for. Van Haelewyn even played the entire first song, “All’s Fair,” in a massive fur coat, looking like an evil wizard while doing so. The energy was also great. With Eyler screaming her heart out, Van Haelewyn romping around the stage, and the rhythm guitarist Joaquin Leon completely focused on jamming out, the band came together to deliver an electrifying live performance.
When asked why people should listen to Eden’s Ghost, the band had a lot to say. “We bring as much to the table as possible,” said Swish. “Eden’s Ghost is funky, fun, and loud,” commented Henderson. “We don’t give a xxxx,” put Eyler.
Eden’s Ghost is eager to gain more exposure, and prospective fans are encouraged to find the band’s music on Spotify and Apple Music.
