Album Review

Goodtime Boys - Rain

Item: Goodtime Boys - Rain
Rating: 4

An incredibly focused, polished effort that should cement their place at the very top table of UK hardcore.

Reviewer: Stuart Knapman

Released: 26th May 2014

Label: Bridge Nine

When vocalist Alex Pennie howled “wait for the rain” on Goodtime Boys’ first release, a split EP with fellow South Wales band Solutions, no one would have imagined that the wait would be almost five years.

The South Wales outfit haven’t been idle, releasing several EPs and 7-inches in that time, honing their own brand of breathless, anxious hardcore in the process. But now, the wait is over.

With debut album ‘Rain’, Goodtime Boys have firmly stepped up to the plate, delivering an incredibly focused, polished effort that should cement their place at the very top table of UK hardcore.

‘Rain’ is melodic and aggressive in equal measure, carefully blending the two to great effect. On ‘Wallflower’ Pennie’s searing vocals sit comfortably on top of guitars that swing from breakneck, raw hardcore to expansive, intricate interludes with ease.

This variety characterises the whole album, with the tone constantly shifting from anger to introspection. While this continual transition can leave an album feeling disjointed, on ‘Rain’ the transitions are so seamless that the changes in mood are barely noticeable.

Those that have already heard lead single ‘Life Moves’, will have a good impression of what’s in store across the rest of the album. While Goodtime Boys never rest on their laurels or allow things to stagnate, there is still a consistency to ‘Rain’, giving it a clear and focused sound.

The focus, variety and polished execution present on ‘Rain’ firmly mark Goodtime Boys out from the swathes of hardcore bands so regularly produced from towns and cities up and down the country. While it’s been a long time coming, when you listen to ‘Rain’ it’s clear that the wait has been more than worth it.

Tags: Goodtime Boys, Reviews, Album Reviews