Chicago’s The Ghost have been by-and-large an under the radar entity since their formation. Releasing a criminally underrated debut in the form of "This Is A Hospital" in 2002 and shortly thereafter taking to the road, the band have yet to really make their presence felt on more than a regional level. Though they did find themselves touring extensively with such reputable acts as Thursday, Rival Schools and Sparta, they always seemed one step behind in breaking through. Now the band has returned with "This Pen Is A Weapon", an album that makes a bid at being one of the year’s most delectable rock offerings.

The Ghost exude confidence through their art, championing their musical flaws with as much pride as they do their exquisite post-hardcore rhetoric. Their blatant avoidance at polishing the album, leaving each sloppy transition and each wavery vocal for everyone to notice is refreshing, displaying a Fugazi-like work ethic that strengthens their overall impact on the listener. From breezy melodies ala Onelinedrawing to raw, edgy rock in the vein of Quicksand, these men perform with a comforting ease. Top-notch songwriting is the anchor that keeps this album from drifting off, and as the outing progresses it becomes less a collection of songs as it is a book of aural poetry, rich with emotion and depth. "Modern Restless" cuts like a knife, disemboweling the way music has become less about challenging listeners and more about fashion and marketing, and this rallying cry is both encouraging and bittersweet in its honesty.

Decidedly basic yet continuously inventive, "This Pen Is A Weapon" proves that quality does not reside in production value, but in the inherent musical capabilities of the musicians performing, as The Ghost have created a modern classic built on powerful songwriting and genuine passion for the music being played. This is an album that espouses trends and instead only seeks to deliver a riveting rock experience, and on that front these men have succeeded. In the process, they have also compiled a record that once and for all should cement The Ghost in the top echelon of today’s post-hardcore clique.