Altsounds - Goodbye, Gadget - Because, I'm Not Myself You See [Album]

Goodbye, Gadget has a habit of becoming infectious. Damn their pop-punk stylings for growing on me like a cute little tumor. The more I listen to "Because, I'm Not Myself You See" the less I want to chuck it into a bin. I even find myself singing along to the hooks, tapping my foot to 'Let's Go,' and laughing with the darker lyrics of 'Dealbreaker.' I can't get over a keyboardist in pop music, I just can't. There's a certain bounciness it adds to this generally upbeat release. A Lightness. Damn it, its fun.

Goodbye, Gadget falls along the lines of AFI, Shiny Toy Guns, and the like. However, they've secured their originality in an often dark, but never screamed, vocal construction, as well as a sense of drama counter pointed with fun pop riffing. Melodic, dark, and filled with more hooks than a Boston LP, "Because, I'm Not Myself You See" is fun for the whole family. That is as long as your whole family are some pop loving skater punks.

Opening with 'Sugar and Sinnamon,' "Because, I'm Not Myself You See" leads in strong and showcases one of the more single worthy tracks. 'Sugar and Sinnamon' has an immediate synth bounce, and 4/4 swagger to the drums. While still dark thematically, the vocal harmonies are sweet and catchy. I personally get my jollies on this album from 'Let's Go' and 'Missing.' 'Let's Go' is a hand clapping sing along of first rate quality. This is the upbeat stomper you're looking for from a rocking pop group. This would be the perfect time to get sauced and make an ass of yourself at a live performance...Or not. Maybe that's just me.

Moving on. 'Missing' is the most moody track on here. The depth and darkness of "Because, I'm Not Myself You See" coalesce into 'Missing.' This impassioned track, expertly crooned by Ana Isabel, delivers a powerful emotional wrap up to "Because I'm Not Myself You See." Goodbye, Gadget are making waves in their local, San Francisco, music scene. Earning critical acclaim from various music press and independent radio. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before national attention comes their way.

With its catchy rhythms, and vocal hooks, "Because, I'm Not Myself You See" could very easily have the chops needed to garnish such acclaim. Fingers crossed, and best of wishes, for Goodbye, Gadget.