Album Review: HR Block Presents Christian Serpas & Ghost Town – Ghost Town
Alright, let’s talk about this quirky little album that kinda sneaks up on you. It’s called Ghost Town, by Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, and it’s one of those records that feels like a warm hug from an old friend—albeit a friend who might show up unannounced with a guitar and a story to tell. Released under the label “Not On Label” (which is honestly such a punk rock move), this thing blends Folk, World, Country, and Rock into something that’s hard to pin down but easy to enjoy. Oh, and fun fact: H&R Block is credited as the presenter. Yeah, that H&R Block. Taxes meet tunes. Who knew?
Now, I’m not gonna lie—when I first saw the tracklist, I thought, “Rockin’ Ol’ Christmas? Really?” But hey, don’t judge a song by its holiday-themed title. This track absolutely slaps in the most wholesome way possible. It’s got this foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ energy that makes you want to grab some eggnog and dance around your living room. The lyrics are simple, but they stick with you, like that one uncle who tells the same joke every year but somehow still cracks you up. By the second chorus, I was singing along like I’d known it my whole life.
Another standout is “Bad Side of Goodbye.” Man, this one hits different. It starts off slow, almost like it’s tiptoeing into your heart, but then BAM—it builds into this raw, emotional crescendo. You can hear the ache in Serpas’ voice, and the instrumentation just wraps around you like a worn-out flannel shirt. It’s the kind of song that makes you stare out the window for a bit, thinking about all the goodbyes you’ve said—or maybe the ones you haven’t.
The other tracks, like “Hoot and Holler” and “I’ve Got A Good Thing Going,” round out the album nicely. They’re fun, upbeat, and perfect for a road trip or a lazy Sunday morning. Nothing too flashy, but sometimes simple is exactly what you need.
What’s wild about this album is how unpolished it feels—like it wasn’t made for algorithms or playlists. It’s just real people making music because they love it. And honestly? That’s refreshing as hell in today’s world of overproduced pop hits.
So yeah, if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, give Ghost Town a spin. Just don’t blame me if “Rockin’ Ol’ Christmas” gets stuck in your head in July. Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: If H&R Block ever opens a coffee shop, I’d totally go. Tax prep lattes, anyone?