REVIEW: Goodness, Anthem (Immortal/Epic)
- Chris Hill
A line from "Wicked Eye" (off Goodness' 1995 self-titled cd) sums up the band's attitude best - "Well, he's coming on / but I'm not worried much / 'cause if we've taught her wel l/ she packs a wicked punch." Self-reliance, personal responsibility, and - dare I say it - empowerment are rare messages in these years of dodging ownership and blaming others. My interest, begun during vocalist Carrie Akre's stint with Hammerbox, and reignited with Goodness' 1994 6 songs cassette-only release, became fannish appreciation after that song.
It's indicative of the band's character that three years later they espouse the same idea on the first track, "Anthem": "This is a call to all of you / to come around... / there is a reason to get out of bed... / I don't have all the answers / but I know it can be found." Their work ethic hasn't atrophied, despite the tribulations following their Y Records debut cd: Following Goodness, the band signed with Atlantic, re-released the album with an extra track, then left the label when the atmosphere constricted. The D.I.Y. waters were tested with 1997's self-released a five-song ep, and now in 1998, the band is back aboard the major label train, on Epic's indie subsidiary, Immortal Records.
"Anthem" is one of three tracks written with outside songwriters (ex-Heartbreakers Stan Lynch and Jamie Houston), but the sentiment remains pure Goodness. Drafted back into service from a five-song ep, along with "Pretender" and "Lost", the song is a fitting titular track for an album of unadulterated, unapologetic rock & roll made for people who wear off-the-rack clothing.
Guitarists Danny Newcomb and Garth Reeves pervade the album with power chords and guitar solos, but there's room in the bag for other tricks. To wit, the gentle, acoustic "I'd Rather", the GoGos-esque "Turn the World Around", the mnemonic device chorus-driven "Lost" ("L is for lonely as she can be, O is for..."), and the cricket noises that fade up to close the album. Rock 'n' roll and crickets - the combo shouldn't work, but it does.
The blistering guitar solo that lynchpins "Lost" also underscores the fact that Goodness is a full band, not simply a supporting outfit assembled post-Hammerbox for Akre's talent. Each of Goodness' members list at list two bands, either ex- or current, in their resume, and each contributed to the writing. Drummer Chris Friel, Reeves, and bassist Fiia McGann log a song each, with Akre and Newcomb covering the remainder.
If you're impressed by McGann's backing vocals (listen to "Bitter Man" - she makes that chorus), check out Miracle Baby, her side project, where she steps to the fore. Anthem's bruised heart-acher "Night & Day" is written by her. It's the only tune of twelve not written in part by Akre, testifying to its lyrical strength.
Browse http://www.goodness.com - run with direct involvement with the band - when you need a breath of fresh air from media savvy, conglomerate music. Honesty isn't a bad thing. Rock 'n' roll isn't trite. Sometimes, when it has heart and talent, it's just ... goodness.
