Dublin folk band Lankum Release Devastating ‘Ghost Town’ Cover

Dublin folk band Lankum have released a devastating cover of The Specials 1981 number one hit ‘Ghost Town’. As they say the more things change, the more they stay the same.

As Klof mag writes:

“The original single was a haunting and perfectly timed piece of social commentary, capturing the bleak national mood of urban decay, mass unemployment, and racial tension that culminated in widespread riots across Britain just as the song topped the charts. As Lankum state below, it feels eerily relevant to be referencing it yet again.”

“The release, announced today by Rough Trade Records, is accompanied by a stunning, 8-minute short film. Directed by the renowned Leonn Ward and shot on location in County Wicklow with cinematography by Oscar-nominee Robbie Ryan (Poor Things, American Honey), the video is a haunting piece of visual art, reminiscent of Andrei Tarkovsky, that matches the track’s unsettling intensity.”

‘Ghost Town’ will be released on a 12” vinyl format in January 2026, featuring an elaborate etching on the b-side.

Pre-Order/Save Ghost Town: https://lankum.ffm.to/ghosttown