Purevolume gave me Good Old War today to try on for size, and they fit me better than my favorite pair of jeans. Acoustic folk rockers Keith Goodwin, Daniel Shwartz, and Tim Arnold give Philadelphia's music scene a great name with their Simon and Garfunkel-like grooves. Goodwin and Shwartz both do vocals and guitar while Arnold sings and keeps the beat with some very in-the-pocket drumming. During the three songs I sampled from their self-titled album, I could not help but tap my feet and wave my arms like a Woodstock hippie.
"Good" was a simple guitar-picking driven intro with golden "oohs" and "ahhs" filling in the spaces between strumming and drumming. In the song's 58 seconds, I was able to imagine flying over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, band in tow. Yes, the harmonies were just that majestic.
After I came down from that musical high, I tuned into "Here are the Problems," a lyrically mature jam that reminded me of a beach bonfire sing-along with lots of alcohol. A love song begging for "the one that got away" to come back, it showcased Good Old War's ability to make any lyric sound stellar with each boy's slick "ahhs" that reoccur in many of their songs.
This song in particular proved to me Good Old War really knows how to write some delicious folk rock. The chorus jived so well the percussion because of the contrast between the vocals' smoothness and the drummer's solid-as-a-rock rhythm. Every instrument melted together like butter. "Here are the Problems" was refreshing and youthful.
Last in line was "My Own Sinking Ship," another sing-along kind of track but with a more somber tone. I was getting a our-relationship-is-not-working vibe with the repetition of the lyric, "It's the last time we'll fall in love." Quiet strumming and a laid-back beat let the heartbreaking lyrics take the spotlight. I felt like I was losing a significant other, which is exactly what I want from emotional songs. I want to feel what the band feels. Very well done.
Good Old War is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a peppy acoustic pick-me-up that has an occasional dark side. For fans of Simon and Garfunkel, these guys are definitely the perfect fit.
Give Good Old War a listen here!
Thank you for reading. Shuffle on.
Photo credit: http://www.purevolume.com/goodoldwar/photos/3092684
I feel like this band is very similar to the side project of Dallas Green from Alexisonfire.
ReplyDeleteHe has a folk style solo project he calls "City and Colour," which also focuses on the use of acoustic instruments.
What I liked about this band was the surprising pop feel to them, like you said in your review. While most acoustic bands focus on a more somber element of lyrics and play on emotions, this one seems to try and play like a pop band in an traditional field
One of the reasons why I liked these guys so much is probably because I like Dallas Green!
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