Welcome to our blog (Songweb), where we spotlight the most evocative voices in modern music. Today, we’re honored to introduce Kinsley, a dynamic folk-rock collective from Raleigh, North Carolina. With their EP GHOSTS, released on July 7, 2025, Kinsley weaves together ancient Appalachian balladry and contemporary rock textures, guided by the deft musicianship of Adam Staley and Christopher Jones. Prepare to be carried on a haunting journey through history, myth, and raw emotion. Let’s delve into the songs on the EP.
The EP opens with “Cothran”, a compelling tale set against the backdrop of pre-revolution Person County. Here, Jones’ storytelling shines, painting a vivid scene of a rural inn harboring a faceless, weary traveler and a morally ambiguous owner. The lyrics evoke a haunting sense of isolation and suspicion, entwined with historical undertones that root the listener firmly in this bygone era. The acoustic guitars delicately interplay with lap steel flourishes, adding layers of melancholy and rustic charm. Staley’s understated drums and keys propel the narrative forward without overpowering the subtle emotional currents.
Next, “Catamount” ventures deeper into folklore, recounting a chilling family story passed down through generations. Jones channels the eerie atmosphere of a nighttime hunt interrupted by a mythical, bloodthirsty cougar-like beast. The song’s pacing mirrors the creeping tension of the tale — a slow-building suspense that culminates in stark tragedy. Vocally, Jones and Staley deliver with raw vulnerability, their harmonies weaving an almost spectral presence that amplifies the song’s supernatural essence. Instrumentation is sparse but evocative, with lap steel and acoustic guitar notes echoing like distant whispers in a dark forest.
Closing the EP is the title track, “Ghosts”, where the themes of memory, legacy, and the unseen past converge. This song acts as a poignant meditation on the spectral echoes that shape our identities, especially as it honors both sides of Jones’ family heritage. The vocals here are intimate and reflective, layered with delicate keys and gentle percussion that create a warm yet otherworldly ambiance. The production shines in its clarity and balance — every element meticulously placed to immerse the listener fully in the emotional narrative.
Christopher Jones delivers each lyric with a storyteller’s intimacy—his voice alternately warm and tremulous, drawing you into the narrative heart of every tale. Adam Staley’s harmonies and backing vocals provide a haunting counterpoint, especially on “Ghosts,” where their interplay feels like two souls conversing across time. Together, they strike a balance of vulnerability and power, inviting listeners to inhabit each story rather than merely overhear it.
Recorded primarily in Raleigh, with field recordings captured in Graham, NC, GHOSTS boasts an organic yet polished sound. Staley’s multi-role as drummer, keyboardist, engineer, programmer, mixer, and mastering engineer ensures a cohesive sonic vision. Acoustic guitars and lap steel (handled by Jones) ground the EP in folk tradition, while Staley’s keys and subtle programming nod to modern indie-rock sensibilities. The inclusion of environmental sounds doesn’t feel gimmicky; instead, it enriches the tapestry, transporting listeners into the very woods and inns these songs inhabit.
Kinsley’s GHOSTS EP is more than a collection of songs—it’s a concise, immersive odyssey through Americana’s shadowed corners. By honoring Appalachian legends while embracing contemporary production, Kinsley crafts a sound at once timeless and strikingly fresh. We’re thrilled to welcome them to our blog and can’t wait to see where this enchanting journey leads next.
Listen to the “Ghosts” EP on Spotify and SoundCloud
Follow Kinsley here for more information
