Lankum Share Haunting Cover Of The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town’

The Dublin quartet return with a striking reinterpretation of The Specials’ ‘Ghost Town,’ transforming the ska classic into a haunting, cinematic statement of resilience.

Rough Trade Records have announced a powerful new stand-alone single from Lankum, an otherworldly reimagining of The Specials’ 1981 classic ‘Ghost Town’. Originally created for Oona Doherty’s Specky Clark dance show at Sadler’s Wells earlier this year, the track transforms the ska anthem into something slow-burning, eerie, and immense.

The accompanying video, directed by Leonn Ward and shot on location in County Wicklow with cinematography by Robbie Ryan, spans eight minutes and captures the song’s atmosphere of tension and resilience. You can watch it here.

‘Ghost Town’ will be released on a 12” vinyl in January 2026, featuring an elaborate etching on the B-side. Alongside the single, Rough Trade have also confirmed that Lankum have extended their contract with the label for multiple future releases.

Speaking about the project, the band explained how Doherty’s concept encouraged them to experiment far beyond their comfort zone, blending synthesisers and drum machines with their traditional instrumentation. “It’s an honour to be releasing a version of this iconic tune,” they said. “It feels eerily relevant to be referencing yet again themes of urban decay, economic hardship and working-class frustration.”