Jack Dooley & The Always - Asymmetry

Jack Dooley & The Always

Asymmetry
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

You would think that a group called Jack Dooley & The Always would gave a guy named Jack Dooley in it with a bunch of other band members. Well that’s what I thought at least. Hamilton Goff is in fact the only creative force behind the music  on his recent release entitled Asymmetry. The album is a combination of indie rock and electronic elements. He even occasionally flirts with grind core style like EDM. 

Goff’s songs are energy filled and usually upbeat but also contain a good amount of emotion. He has a decent voice. I thought he sounded best when he wasn’t straining it. There is a natural range where he sounds loose and relaxed. One thing that should be noted is that Goff recorded, mixed and mastered the album in his home studio. It sounds above average for a DIY and he obviously knows his way around the studio.

The first thing you hear on the first track “Do you Wonder?” is a techno style synth that quickly combines with a drumbeat that is obviously programmed but is an organic sounding kit. By the time the verse hits, the synths drop out completely sounding like a indie rock song. The changes come fast and Goff does a good job at not letting things grow stagnant. As the song progresses you could make comparison to a band like Peach Pit.

The next song “The Low Light” felt more or less like a standard indie rock with a splash of U2 while “Hero No More” is the most juxtaposed song. He does a great job at seamlessly combining dubstep style EDM and indie rock elements on “Hero No More.” “Right Now” has quite a different feel, as it’s slow and nostalgic. It sounded good but just a bit misplaced. 

Asymmetry is a strong album. I thought the singing could have been better but overall it was an enjoyable as well as  an original experience.

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