Go Time has reached something of a landmark, by releasing their latest studio album, the ambiguously titled, Eight Ball. The Chicago natives have created a signature sound, and it’s evident on the new record. Evolving out of a previous project, it took some time for the band to find the right lineup. Presently, Go Time is going harder than ever, with 20 new songs on Eight Ball. The band likes to describe themselves as Power Pop, but on the new album they show a wide range of influences, and exceptional versatility.
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“On The Shore,” is a somewhat busy piece, which showcases excellent interplay, between the guitarists. The drumming is fast paced and dizzying at times, but with unparalleled precision. This is one of the stand out tracks on the album, because it takes a different approach, than anything else on it. They really go for a character piece, that perfectly reflects the visual of the title. To keep such a consistent and relatively furious tempo, is not easy, but the band does it without a single mistake.
The band likes to employ keyboard intros on select songs, throughout the record, such as the case with, “Broken And Rusted.” A quaint piano piece, opens the song, but then we are treated to a blistering snare drum roll, that pushes you straight in the chest. This is a true highlight, as the band shows an explosiveness, not yet heard, up to this point. I would also say this stands out as some of the best lyrical work, on Eight Ball. It’s a black comedy/the odds are unfair/no easy remedy/hard not to care.
Go Time could be considered something of a sleeper band. If you aren’t playing close enough attention, they can evade you, but that would be a shame. They show the propensity to raise as many questions as answers, but their musicianship is never in doubt. Certain aspects of their sound could be considered, divisive, yet they remain, staunchly committed to their initial vision. You won’t mistake Go Time, for anyone else, and they aren’t timid in embracing that.
“What I Miss” shows a more casual side of the band. It’s a mid-tempo, pop song, that has something of a 90’s feel. There sounds to be some type of effect used for the lead vocal, that is in some cases, a bit cliché, but ultimately works for the track. This is sort of a middle of the road piece. It’s certainly enjoyable, for what it is, and undeniably catchy. At about 11 songs deep into a 20 song album, “What I Miss” could be considered a let me up, moment.
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Go Time have promoted Eight Ball, as “their best work, yet.” It’s certainly an opulent and ambitious effort. The guitar work in particular, is highly signature, with exceptional synergy between Niekelski and Paul Scmidt. Drummer, Steve Grzenia, somehow manages to steal the show at various points as well. This record shows a band that’s motivated and confident, even being waist deep into their career, with no signs of slowing down.
Jodi Marxbury