Goat – ‘Goat’ album review: heavy riffs and danceable grooves
THE SKINNY: Goat are one of these elusive groups that are steeped in total mystery. Acting as a collective, they’re always seen in elaborate costumes and masks, working in complete anonymity, with only one member, Christian Johansson, revealing his name. The group was supposedly born from a Swedish commune, with various members coming and going over the years.
Goat don’t hesitate to experiment, and on their latest self-titled album, the group draws from a wide array of genres to create a mind-blowing and addictive collection of tracks that you’ll certainly want to play on repeat. At their core, Goat are a psychedelic band, working with hallucinatory riffs that are instantly captivating; but equally, they take influence from hard rock, as well as traditional and experimental sounds.
On Goat, psychedelic stoner rock-infused riffs sit alongside funky jazz-inspired rhythms, with tightly executed melodies contrasting freeform experimentation and instrumental journeys through loud and quiet. There are songs here that will whisk you away to another realm, where flutes lull you into a sense of calmness only to drop you into a hot mass of fire and energy.
Each song is complexly composed, featuring many layers and unconventional structural choices that will keep listeners on their toes. Whether it is calling you to party and celebrate the ever-changing experience of life or tapping into sleazier territory, Goat always remains cohesive. Each idea is bridged seamlessly together, and every member’s sheer musicianship bleeds through the tracks.
Goat is easily one of the greatest releases by the band to date. It invites us to bask in rich soundscapes that can often overwhelm—but in the best way possible. You don’t have to know anything about the group before listening; everything you need to know about Goat’s brilliance is laid out over the course of eight incredible songs.
For fans of: Heavy riffs, and reading books about the meaning of life.
A concluding comment from my boyfriend: “Shall we move to a commune?”
Goat track by track:
Release Date: October 11th | Label: Rocket Recordings
‘One More Death’: The album opens with a rumbling sense of uncertainty –what’s coming next? Goat soon reassures that this record should be played loud, cutting through the quietness with heavy riffs and shouted vocals. It descends into a glorious instrumental breakdown that centres around ‘60s and ‘70s rock-inspired guitars. [4/5]
‘Goatbrain’: Next, we’re dropped into an intoxicating riff that you will most definitely find yourself bobbing your head to. The rhythm is smooth and polished, contrasting the vocals that are, once again, projected loudly with a shouted tone. The final third then welcomes some incredible layers of sound, such as a flute and warping guitars. [5/5]
‘Fool’s Journey’: Goat bring things down a bit now with a flute-heavy number that tones down the guitars and allows fast-paced yet quiet percussion to weave through the background. It is a really interesting examination of pace, volume, and texture. [4/5]
‘Dollar Bill’: The guitars here are very ‘70s-inspired, laden with sleaze. The song welcomes an extended solo that harks back to the days of classic hard rock, but paired with their experimental leanings, Goat hardly feels derivative. [4.5/5]
‘Zombie’: A steady hip-hop-influenced beat fades in to start up the engine of ‘Zombie’, that primarily runs on a thick bassline and vocals. Prominent keys and guitar find their way into the final third, resulting in a well-rounded track that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. [4/5]
‘Frisco Beaver’: There is an initial hesitancy in the guitars, teasing the listener – at this moment in the song, who knows where Goat will take us. Fast-paced instrumentation proves to be the way, which gets more experimental as the minutes go by and keys become the main focus. [4/5]
‘The All Is One’: A more mellow number, ‘The All Is One’ is a much more understated moment on the album, but it is also one of the most beautiful. [4/5]
‘Ouroboros’: The LP draws to a close with another hip-hop-influenced beat that gives way to danceable grooves that demonstrate Goat’s propensity for making music that encourages good fun. It is a seven-minute odyssey that flows through loud and quiet, building up to a final cacophony before quieting back down. [4.5/5]
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