Gooding - The Return
Gooding – The Return CD (53 Records www.kingdom2music.com)
Los Angeles whiz-kid guitarist Gooding (the man) returns to the scene with a new Gooding (the band) album called, appropriately enough, ‘The Return’. Anyone familiar with Gooding (the man) knows that he can shred with the best of ‘em, and he doesn’t disappoint here with some of the tastiest riffs and solos this side of Paul Gilbert. Like Gilbert, Gooding is fond of indulging his love of classic rock and power-pop-’The Return’ is as much a hook-filled party in waiting (ala classic Cheap Trick or Teenage Fanclub) as it is a roaring riff-fest. This is very much a studio record, with loads of phased effects, layered vocals, and tastily placed keys, making for an extremely fun and accessible release that works incredibly well as the soundtrack to a long summertime drive with no particular destination in mind. Having seen Gooding live recently, I’d feel remiss if I didn’t mention that the live show features nothing but guitar, bass, and drums, cranked up to 10 with no regard for innocent bystanders. This band puts on one of the most face-meltingly high-energy shows I’ve ever seen, and I know I’m not alone in saying that a recorded document of that would be worth its weight in gold. Check local listings and do not miss Gooding when they hit your town. The Impaler
