Album Reviews

Review – Pretend It’s Not Happening by Goliathon

In 2010 I was introduced to a small band from Indianapolis, Indiana that changed my world. First off I was blown away a set of demos on their Myspace page. Then, as time went on, they finally released a full length titled Without Further Ado. This band also caused me to check out more progressive rock. That band is Goliathon.

Goliathon is a stoner rock band through and through but if you listen closely, there’s so much more. While the standard stoner rock fare is there, the band expands on the “standard” sound by adding an organ, a harmonica, and a saxophone to boot. Their sound travels well into the progressive genre as well as mixing it up with good old classic rock. They literally take some of the best of King Crimson, Rush, Jethro Tull, and Led Zeppelin and put that into one huge ball of energy. The result is something that needs to be heard as it’s hard to describe in words without going beyond WOW!

That said, Pretend It’s Not Happening is a pretty special album. It is a music lovers album. Vocalist Chris Probasco’s voice really belts it out. His ability to belt out the high notes and hold them is beyond amazing within itself. It reminds me of a much younger Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) or even Jay Buchanan (Rival Sons). Of course I have to give credit to the rest of the band, their playing isn’t anything short breathtaking itself. The album kicks off with a little opening tune that may be familiar to those who have played some of the older Legend of Zelda games. From there it’s non stop rocking. The tracks seem to flow seamlessly from one to another, as if it were one big 37 minute song. Each song range is different with the tones and tempos varying but one thing that is consistent is the energy displayed. Each song is bursting at the seams with energy. The only slow moment is a 40 second instrumental called “Deep Breath” which more or less serves as an intro to “Make Tracks.” It’s really hard to pick a favorite song on this album, I love them all. The production is so crisp and clear too. The mixing and mastering is perfect. The sound is excellent. Pretend It’s Not Happening is one of those albums you turn up the volume to.

Pretend It’s Not Happening is due out August 31st, 2012 on CD, vinyl and digital. Mark your calendars, the band is playing a FREE CD release show to celebrate. If you’re near Indianapolis, make sure you stop by. I hear they’re pretty killer live. You can hear 2 tracks from the album now “Jettison” and “Howl” below. Make sure Pretend It’s Not Happening is in your collection come the end of August.

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