The 1960s West Coast is synonymous with great music, producing prolific artists like the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, and the Byrds — the decade's influence is felt nationally as well as globally.
As proof of this global influence, Welsh band El Goodo demonstrates their '60s music savvy on their self-titled debut album, El Goodo, from Empyrean Records. Emulating the simple beats and even simpler lyrics of their predecessors, El Goodo channels the pop-psychedelic genre of the '60s and proves that this bygone era is anything but gone.
The album's ambient opener "Life Station" immediately grabs listeners' attention with the jubilant chants of children contrasting wave after wave of distortion. An indiscernible chant overlaps the buzzing guitars and heavy drum beats, all the while building to the track's intensity. With the introduction of additional instruments and increase in distortion, the track reaches the pinnacle of emotion before gently subsiding with a delicate, soothing piano accompaniment.
The soothing sounds of "Life Station" pave the way for the up-tempo track "Surreal Morning," a true testament to the laid-back attitude of '60s California living. The guitar slide intro and three-part harmonies prepare listeners for this sunshine and surf tune. Like other tracks on this album, "Surreal Morning"'s chorus of "bops" and "bahs" reinforces the group's '60s influences.
Up next is the track "If I Were A Song," undoubtedly the best track on this throwback album. Reminiscent of a slow-tempo Beach Boys tune, this track is full of the slow bass line and multi-part harmonies that brought them fame. Like their counterparts, El Goodo maintains the use of simplistic yet effective lyrics. With an endearing line like "If I were a song/ I'd be about you, baby," it's impossible not to be charmed by this number.
Contrary to their West Coast psychedelic influences, El Goodo pays homage to The Velvet Underground, an East Coast psychedelic group, on the track "Here It Comes." Like previous tracks on this album, an extended guitar and tambourine intro is comparable to the Underground's somber tunes. This mostly instrumental track soon picks up with the addition of percussion and distortion, developing into one of the best tracks on the album.
Lively, up-tempo numbers are what El Goodo does best; unfortunately, some tracks lack the excitement of other tracks like "Honey" or the Byrds-influenced "Chalking the Line." Tracks like "I Saw Nothing" and "What Went Wrong?" are almost excruciating to hear, inducing boredom with every repetitive guitar riff and plodding, expressionless lyric.
On the other hand, "Stuck in the Sixties" is a rousing number that fails to deliver anything but a fantasy about a time machine — a concept too cheesy, even for this pop psychedelic outfit. Even without these ridiculous lyrics, the minor chords and awkward timing give the listener even more reasons to skip the track.
Despite some less-than-stellar tracks, El Goodo succeeds at finishing the album on a positive note. On "If You Come Back," a xylophone interlaced with a backup chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" is the perfect addition to pay further homage to their '60s influences. Once again, this song involves sugary sweet lyrics ("If you come back/ the sun will shine forever") to capture the hearts of adoring fans.
The album successfully finishes with the final song "I Tried But I Failed," a song of unrequited love. Contrary to the melancholy lyrics, El Goodo happily incorporates an organ and cello into this nautically themed track. Although the group claims failure, this bouncy track is a fitting finish to this cheery, throwback album.
Overall, El Goodo's debut release is an entertaining, well-thought-out piece of work. Developing from a feel-good attitude through a somber middle and entertaining finish, El Goodo adequately portrays the style of the 1960s west coast music scene. Even though the years have passed, the spirit and attitude of the '60s is alive and well with artists like El Goodo.
Grade: 3 out of 5
