Godsticks - Godsticks [EP]

Self Released

March 20, 2009, 12:17 PM

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Godsticks are a UK based trio, who started out in 2006 playing as a cover band and have recently set out to create their own music. It consists of Darran Charles, Jason Marsh and Steve Roberts, who were drawn together through a love of rock, funk and pop. What they have created in their debut, self-titled EP is an amalgamation of all three.

The first track Not The Face introduces itself bluntly with a repetitive rhythm guitar, chased by a lead guitar that weaves in and out, surfacing to perform the classic, fast-paced solo, before ducking back down again. The underlying funk bass that runs throughout keeps it upbeat, giving it a touch of funk soul (brother). And as for the vocals, Darran Charles is almost as up and down as the lead guitar. Only When Provoked comes in with a lot more emphasis on the bass, which bops its way through a fairly upbeat track. Venial brings the tempo down, in which ticking drums and a rolling piano melody keep it moving along nicely. But just as I think the track is going in a different direction, that lime-light stealing lead guitar comes back in for one quick jam. Clinical brings the EP to a gentle close with acoustic guitar picking and harmonized, reverberated vocals.

Godsticks have the jazziness of Mike Stern, the punchy bass of Jaco Pastorius, and yet they are somehow completely different. The recording of this EP does justice to their music. It’s a succinct production, with a precise performance that is both well-calculated and lively. On reflection, it’s an album that wouldn’t strike me as a self released debut; it’s obvious that three years experience as a cover band has done wonders for the band forming a uniform and clear cut EP. However, I’ll be honest, I’m not a prog-rock-head (as you can probably tell), and for me the songs become a little samey. As a band they stand out, but their songs can become indistinguishable.

So it may not be my cup of tea, but when a band receives praise from an artist they have listed as one of their main influences- Mike Kinnealy, they must be doing something right. He commented that Godsticks are ‘outlandishly original and mind-bending. Godsticks are a fantastic band.’ A powerful comment, and what sounds like a great start for this band. Godsticks may still be unsigned, but they’re already finding their feet in this vast genre.

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