Goulash - 'Goulash' Album Review

Tracklist:

1. Money

2. I

3. Enemy

4. Cortez

5. Weather Man

6. Punani

7. Sailing

This self titled 7 track mini album sets its stall out right from the start, 'Money' starts out like a feel good Rock song before dropping into its groove. Done badly it would jar, fortunately it’s done with style as you realise its Reggae heart. It’s bright, it’s airy, it’s got bite. Reggae with a touch of Rock? Why don’t we hear more of it? It works as Goulash proves here.

“I” ups the tempo and I realise my head is nodding in time, it’s a no nonsense sex song, no euphemisms, straight out I wanna have sex with you! I am smiling at its lack of subtlety, but wait, it’s slowed right down, there’s wah wah guitar a plenty, help, I think I love it! Oops, we’re back up and running, and then boom, we’re done!

'Enemy' claims we are in a “Fuckin police state”. It’s angry; it’s fast, proper Rock. I love it, the potty mouth alone makes me smile, it’s short, it’s angry, and it’s done! “Cortez” takes us back to more traditional Reggae although this is slightly unfair to the band as there is always an edge to their music, the Reggae elements are there but they have picked instruments out in the mix which keeps it feeling fresh.

'Weather Man' is another traditional Reggae style number, I must admit I wondered if the band had run out of steam by the time we get to this track, it seems to have them settling down into a rut. 'Punani' gives the listener a quick kick in the unmentionables as it rocks things up again. It’s a schizoid beast, it’s fast, it’s slow, it’s heavy, it’s mellow. It’s great. “Sailing” sees the band settling down again into a groove, maybe a disappointment after the rush of the previous track.

So 'Goulash', do I like it? I rather think I do, it took a few listens to get into it so don’t worry if you don’t get it first go. 'Punani' would have been my choice to finish on but maybe I’m just being picky. I reckon Goulash has more to give, and I reckon there next release will be a belter.