BOBGOBLIN - love lost for blood lust

BOBGOBLIN

love lost for blood lust
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

Veteran rock band BOBGOBLIN, active since the early ‘90s, has blasted back on to the music scene with their newly released album LOVE LOST FOR BLOOD LUST. The band takes cues from new wave, pop and punk alike, and manages to infuse a unique style into each song on the record.

The highly angular “Feel No Pain” starts off the album with a straightforward beat and a catchy melody that transcends the power chords and tense lyrics. A bright synthesizer adds just the right amount of sport to the already upbeat tune, arguably the best on the record. The songs “Danger” and “Waiting For The Sun” employ a slightly slower tempo and more hard-hitting bass, guitars and drum to create a very punchy aura that contrasts with the songs’ harmonious overtones.

“Some Things I Want To Say” continues the controlled explosiveness of the band’s typical songwriting methods, and while the song is somewhat repetitive, enough variation is included through vocal harmonies and stylistic touches to make the entire song interesting and entertaining. “White Lines” turns the energy up a notch with palm muted power chords and rumbling bass leading the way for powerful vocals to take the spotlight. Transitioning well into the super-catchy “Hide From Tomorrow” distorted vocals and tribal-esque drums propel the vitality of the album through the roof.

As the album roars past the halfway mark, the style and overall attitude of the tracks donot change considerably, which is justified and expected from a band who has had ample time to hone in on their own sound and strengths. “Fighting Machines” blends screaming guitars with pure vocals in a triumphant anthem fit for any high-energy gathering soundtrack. The danceable “Eulogy For Poor Daniel” follows with the slightly lower energy “Turn Gears Turn” a ballad that eventually progresses into a celebratory paean.

The subtly titled “From The Hill” points out the masquerades in today’s society, and does so in a way that is extremely enjoyable to hear. As the album nears its end, “Eternal Snow” tones down the hard-hitting tones, at least for the first minute or so. Reflective in spirit and lyrics, this tune transitions nicely into “I Know A Place” the final song on the album that ends on a beautifully hopeful, optimistic note. As a whole, LOVE LOST FOR BLOOD LUST surpasses any arbitrary criteria given to judge a great album, and listeners of all preferences will undoubtedly find the record praiseworthy.

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