image courtesy of the Sado-Domestics

Album Review of Sado-Domestics: Getting the Ghost

The Sado-Domestics are one of metro Boston’s premier Americana acts, comprised of musicians whose talents aren’t limited solely to participation in this project. The singing-songwriting duo of Chris Gleason and Lucy Martinez are joined by Jim Gray (bass), Eric Royer (pedal steel), and Jimmy Ryan (mandolin) on their latest full-length recording, Getting the Ghost. Both Eric Harabadian and I have reviewed previous Sado-Domestics releases, so click through to our reviews here (Camouflage: Stories by T.J. Gerlach) and here (Beach Day in Black and White) to read a bit more about the band’s background and our takes on their other recent releases.

The latest record, Getting the Ghost, kicks off with one of its more memorable tracks, “Big Cat,” which is always wise – kick an album off with a song that’ll grab listeners from the very start. In the case of “Big Cat,” steady picking structure and exotic rhythm support Lucy’s slightly edgy vocal, while a rich-yet-noisy wall of sound pushes the song along in key parts. It’s a creative spin on the uniquely Sado-Domestics base sound, making it a great opener. It’s followed by “Good Day,” which is a more straight-up Sado-Domestics sound, a little off-kilter and rockin’ with some creative musical details and nuances thrown in to keep the listener’s ears busy.

photo courtesy of the Sado-Domestics

“I Don’t Know You Very Well” is a beautiful if haunting softer number, while “Autumn Glow” follows with a horse-riding git-along rhythm and a pleasant travelling pace. “The Getaway (Major Motion Picture),” next, inspired by the 1972 film, continues the previous song’s vibe but with a bit more energy, a more prominent rhythm, and some effective, enjoyable instrumental flourishes.

I’m not quite sure why, but “New Logo” is probably my personal favorite on the disc. Its opening few measures remind me 0f the opening of Clint Black’s “A Good Run of Bad Luck,” though they’re not a copy. The sound is heavy, the vocals crisp but persistent. I mean, it’s a cool delivery, on the rockin’ end of the Sado-Domestics’ usual range. But it’s probably the lyrics that seal the deal for me: “Same old brand with a new log.” A fun take on “a leopard never changes his spots.” The next song, “Wolf,” maintains and even builds upon the energy and pace before the band slows things down with the twangy, country and western dancehall-sounding “Chancer.”

“Tip of My Tongue” continues the twanginess, leaning into one of Lucy’s sweeter, richly textured vocal performances on this record. “Killing Me Kindly” follows, and you may recognize this one. It’s a Sado-Domestics-flavored rendition of the song that was one of my favorites on Los Goutos’ Mighty release, Los Goutos being one of Chris Gleason’s other bands. (Yes, I reviewed that album, too.)

Finally, the record closes with “Balthazar,” a strumming, introspective, thoughtful number that provides a soft landing for the record. It’s has deliciously off-kilter, very Sado-Domestics styled vibe to it.

In the end, this was another strong release from the reliably exceptional purveyors of Americana music known as the Sado-Domestics. On the heels of this release, the band was deserving nominated in the 2025 New England Music Awards’ Americana Act of the Year category.

Looking Ahead

Per the “Shows” page on the Sado-Domestics’ website, the band currently has a few January and February shows booked in Massachusetts, with dates listed in Roslindale, Maynard, and Somerville.