Thanks To The Muses Muse - Cyrus Rhodes for his review of "Tight Like Wood" 07/31/2013 By Cyrus Rhodes – The Muses Muse Go Time! Tight Like Wood While the band has just finished its fourth CD, its four members are no strangers to the Chicago music scene. GO TIME! plans to spend 2013 playing shows in support of “Tight Like Wood" and then heading back into the studio to work on CD number 5 at the end of 2013. Scott Niekelski - Lead Guitar and Vocals, Paul Schmidt – Guitar, Mark Marketti – Bass, Steve Grzenia - Drums. The CD kicks off with "The Lines Were Blurred” a rocked out kick-off statement delivering a heartfelt ditty that serves up steady rock beat reminiscent of vintage R.E.M complete with driven guitars, driving rock rhythm, impressive solo guitar and hard hitting message. Track 2 “Writer or Slut” keeps things moving with it’s aggressive rock groove, no holds barred vocal attack from Niekelski coupled and impressive melodic ambience and striking message. There’s one line from this song I like “There are so many Critics out there”. Track 3 “Simpler Times” keeps things moving with its rock steady feel, impressive rhythm guitar coupled with impressive vocals against a grand slam chorus that flows and ebbs it’s way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Smithereens, R.E.M. Tom Petty, to The Byrds and The Ramones. The actual musical format is very intimate, and up close: a personal snapshot of a band. The songs themselves are very naked and personal with messages revealing the highs and lows of life, love, passion and do I dare say life’s observations. Overall the catalogue is upbeat, methodical, providing a brilliant perspective on life. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice brief splashes of Classic Rock and Jam Band overtones, well placed rhythm and solo guitar, Keyboards, Electronic Piano, Organ, and lush harmonies layered everywhere all built upon a thick as a brick rhythmic foundation. Lyrical content is extremely revealing and thought provoking. All songs cut deep to the core and its obvious Niekelski and company are also very capable songwriters. From rocking “In a Certain Mood” and Sorry Someday” to heartfelt “The Life We Once Had” melodic “See Alice” to full throttle “Dead and Gone” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 16 “Jealous Dance” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber. In the end the strong suit of "Go Time" is their strong consistency, lyrical wisdom, bold passion and raw straightforwardness. Make no bones about it folks; it took raw courage and honesty to write and perform these songs. What I like most about "Go Time" is there is no attempt to hide how they feel, or sugarcoat the truth. I really admire artists out there who are themselves and just let the chips fall where they may. Praise goes out to the artist that has the courage to show us something real and genuine beneath their veil of vanity. Go Time is one of those artists/bands.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 20:09:35 +0000