Lankum’s Haunting Cover of The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town’ Brings Halloween Chills

Celebrate Halloween with Lankum’s eerie and captivating cover of The Specials’ Ghost Town—a folk-drone masterpiece that channels urban decay and working-class angst.

If there’s one track that captures the spooky, unsettled vibe perfect for Halloween, it’s got to be The Specials’ 1981 classic, “Ghost Town.”strong> But when Dublin’s experimental folk band Lankum put their unique spin on it, the result is something hauntingly beautiful, unsettling, and utterly unforgettable. Imagine the eerie wail of folk drone merging with a creeping electronic crescendo—that’s Lankum’s take on a song already steeped in dark urban melancholy.

A Tale of Two Worlds: From Dance Theatre to Vinyl

Lankum’s cover isn’t just a random tribute; it has a story as intriguing as the song itself. The band originally crafted this version for Specky Clark, a dance show by choreographer Oona Doherty, which premiered at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre earlier this year. The show centers on Doherty’s great-great-grandfather’s journey to Belfast as a child, setting a gritty, historical backdrop.

The single was released on January 30 as a 12-inch vinyl via Rough Trade Records, complete with a beautifully elaborate etching on the B-side—a collector’s dream for any vinyl lover. You can even pre-order your copy to add to your collection.

The Sound: Folk Drone Meets Electronic Menace

From the first note, the track immerses you in Lankum’s signature folk drone style. The pace is slow, insidious, and unsettling—strings hang discordantly like shadows in an old, abandoned alley. The infamous anti-Thatcherite lyrics feel almost more menacing, given the weight of this interpretation. Then, just when you think you’re settled into the creeping gloom, the song erupts into a wild, cacophonous electronic climax, mixing synthesisers and drum machines for a pulse-pounding finale.

Watch the official video, shot in the hauntingly beautiful landscape of County Wicklow and directed by Leonn Ward, to fully appreciate the chilling atmosphere:

From Skepticism to Experimentation: Lankum’s Creative Journey

Lankum’s members were initially hesitant about tackling a ska classic. Covering The Specials wasn’t their usual wheelhouse. Yet, as they explained, the challenge from Doherty sparked a creative adventure.

“At first we were slightly reticent, since a cover of a ska tune wasn’t something we’d usually ever consider, but after a bit of deliberation we decided we’d give it a shot, and the result took us on an incredibly enjoyable journey that had us gleefully playing with synthesizers and drum machines in Hellfire Studios, trying to come up with the scaldiest 90s sounding techno for the outro section of the track.” — Lankum

This experimentation turned into an eerie, genre-bending reinterpretation that feels both reverent and wildly original. It's a testament to the band’s willingness to step out of their comfort zone, crafting something that’s equal parts folk and electronic, tradition and avant-garde.

Oona Doherty’s Vision: A Dance Theatre Collaboration

Oona Doherty’s inspiration came from listening to Lankum’s music, which led her to write Specky Clark, a dance theatre piece that incorporates much of the band’s sound. For one particularly evocative scene set on Halloween night (or Samhain), she requested a cover of “Ghost Town.” The result is hauntingly relevant:

“'All the clubs have been closed down.' I think this line still hits hard all these years later and in a dub accent speaks to housing crises, the poverty, the privatization of Ireland. They also managed to make the track rip through this physical plane of existence and dance in the other world…. only Lankum can do that.” — Oona Doherty

Lankum’s Rising Star and Critical Acclaim

Lankum’s 2023 album False Lankum marked a high point in their career, gathering Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello nominations. Guitarist Daragh Lynch shared that the album’s success felt “very unexpected,” especially since it was one of their most experimental efforts to date.

“We spent the last four albums just really dedicating ourselves to what we want to do. We thought the last album was one of the weirdest and most inaccessible that we’ve done so far, but for some reason it’s the one that everyone picked up on. Maybe we just need to get weirder and weirder!” — Daragh Lynch

Their willingness to push boundaries shines through in the “Ghost Town” cover, proving that the band’s adventurous spirit is alive and well.

Watch More from Lankum

Curious about the band’s journey and their thoughts on loss and creativity? Here’s an insightful interview video diving into the making of False Lankum and the impact of Sinead O’Connor on their work:

Final Thoughts: A Cover That Haunts and Resonates

Lankum’s version of “Ghost Town” is more than just a cover—it’s a haunting reimagination that echoes the socio-economic struggles of both past and present. It’s fitting that this song makes a comeback around Halloween, a time when ghosts of the past feel closest, and the shadows of urban decay and social frustration still linger in our cities and communities.

What do you think of this eerie take on a classic? Does it bring new life to the song’s themes for you? Drop your thoughts below and share your favorite haunting covers!

FAQ

• What inspired Lankum to cover The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town’?
  Oona Doherty approached Lankum to create a cover for her dance show Specky Clark, specifically for a Halloween party scene, encouraging them to start the piece woozily before evolving into the recognizable track.
• How does Lankum’s version differ from the original?
  Their version begins with a slow, folk drone sound with discordant strings, gradually building to a chaotic electronic climax, diverging from the original ska style into something more experimental and atmospheric.
• Where was the video for Lankum’s ‘Ghost Town’ filmed?
  The video was shot in County Wicklow, Ireland, under the direction of Leonn Ward, capturing a haunting rural atmosphere that complements the track’s mood.
• When was Lankum’s cover of ‘Ghost Town’ released?
  The standalone 12-inch vinyl single was released on January 30 through Rough Trade Records, featuring an elaborate etched B-side.
• What achievements has Lankum’s album ‘False Lankum’ received?
  Their album earned nominations for prestigious awards like the Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello, highlighting their growing influence in the folk and experimental music scene.

For fans who adore Lankum’s blend of haunting folk and contemporary edge, why not bring a piece of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and let the music’s spirit fill your space. Explore our collection here.