Ryan Gosling revives spooky rock band bones for Halloween
When a superstar steps away from the spotlight, sometimes the most compelling music is found in the shadows. That is exactly what is happening now as Ryan Gosling resurrects a long-dormant side project, Dead Man’s Bones, just in time for the spookiest season of the year.
After nearly two decades of silence, the rock duo is finally ready to share new music, announcing the comeback on Thursday, October 22. This reunion brings together Gosling and screenwriter/producer Zach Shields, known for their work on hits like Krampus and Godzilla Vs. Kong, ready to deliver a sound steeped in gothic atmosphere.
The tease for their new material immediately set a chilling tone. The teaser video, released on Instagram, featured a man’s head floating in a sinister spiral, delivering a stark warning: “Where winds are black as midnight breath. Where hands can’t find the light to loose, the chains that keep me far from you.” The message was punctuated by a ghostly shout for the release date: “Oct. 27!”
This visual and auditory package perfectly embraced the Halloween spirit, hinting at a dark, haunted aesthetic that aligns with the band’s eponymous 2009 debut LP. The mysterious imagery promised a journey into a world where shadows cry and souls dance at twilight.
Adding to the buzz, Gosling’s wife, actress Eva Mendes, also contributed to the anticipation. She quietly hyped the comeback across her social feeds, releasing footage from classic horror movies cueing the haunting rock tune “In the Room Where You Sleep.” Mendes further added to the mood with a slow, spectral walk through a grove of trees, singing spectral lines about being lost underground, creating a deeply atmospheric mood for the reunion.
Gosling has long demonstrated a knack for vocal performance, having contributed to numerous film scores and pop anthems, including tracks from La La Land and his recent hit Barbie. This musical revival allows him to explore a different facet of his creative identity.
Dead Man’s Bones is more than just a solo venture; it is a collaboration built on deep musical talent. The duo has a rich history, with their debut LP recorded alongside the Silverlake Conservatory’s Children’s Choir. Gosling brings a wide range of instrumental skills to the group, playing piano, guitar, synthesizer, percussion, cello, and bass, weaving complex textures that define their sound.
Though the title and label for the upcoming project remain under wraps, the anticipation is palpable. The music is slated for release on October 27, promising fans a potent, darkly compelling experience from a familiar face and a unique musical partnership.