Rough Trade announce a powerful new stand-alone single from Lankum — an extraordinary reinterpretation of The Specials’ 1981 chart-topper ‘Ghost Town’. Originally composed for choreographer Oona Doherty’s dance production Specky Clark at Sadler’s Wells, the track transforms the familiar ska anthem into something spectral and unearthly.
The project began when Doherty approached the band to create a piece for a Halloween party scene, one that would slowly morph into the recognisable contours of ‘Ghost Town’. Initially hesitant, Lankum embraced the challenge, taking the song through unexpected terrain — from woozy ambience and spectral folk textures to a scorched-earth finale inspired by 1990s techno.
Recorded at Hellfire Studios, this version channels themes of urban decay, economic hardship, and working-class unrest with unsettling relevance. It stands as both homage and reinvention — a testament to Lankum’s boundary-pushing artistry and their willingness to step far beyond their comfort zone.
Pickup available at Dreamhouse Records London
Usually ready in 24 hours
