The Goners (Good Mourning)
Crank this to 8.4 of 11
Released: 2020
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Hard Rock
Sounds Like: Salem’s Pot, The Paladins, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
The Goners debut is a unique psych rock album that touches on what we may call psychedelic rockabilly. While it’s not full frontal rockabilly, the atmosphere on Good Mourning certainly hits a bunch of check marks relative to the genre while saying true to a more psychedelic feel. Flowing with swing melodies coupled by dark yet offbeat lyrics make for an interesting ride. The Swedish based quintet pull together uptempo blends of The Black Angels coupled with Hookworms fogginess all rolled-up into a bone laced with vibes of the Paladins an Messer Chups. The band features the downtrodden ways of Salem's Pot vocalist and guitarist Nate Gone. Nate’s vocals fit perfectly into the rockabilly swing vibe although the album does not keep its swing orders as a few tracks venture back into psychedelic stoner ways.
Track Listing:
1. Are You Gone Yet? (3:57)
2. High, Low, and Never In Between (5:10)
3. World of Decay (4:06)
4. Evil (Is Not Enough) (3:39)
5. Good Ol’ Death (3:26)
6. The Sickening (2:22)
7. Down & Out (4:50)
8. You Better Run (4:11)
9. The Little Blue (4:31)
10. Dead In the Saddle (Dead Moon cover ) (4:40)
Standout Track:
"Down & Out" is a wonderful track that hits every mark. The intricate bass-lines layered with 50s guitar melody charm sprawls out into everything from a cowbell/ tamborine onslaught to the infusion of brass-instruments that bleed into a psychedelic funnel. The kitchen sink works well on this one as depressing lyrics are hit with a whirlwind of vibrant sound. A close second is the superb remake of the Dead Moon cover "Dead In the Saddle" what a tremendous 'off into the sunset' closer indeed.
Alcohol Pairing:
Swedish Blackberry and Elderflower Cocktail
This palate pleaser will swish in your mouth perfectly to the Goners vibe. While more suited for warmer months….this fucker works just fine in the wintery ski months of Sweden.
Ingredients:
2-6 blackberries, depending on size
½ tbsp. caster (superfine) sugar
10 ml (1/3 oz) fresh lemon juice, approximately half a small lemon
25 ml (3/4 oz) Bombay Sapphire gin
15 ml (1/2 oz) St Germain liqueur
Ice cubes
Soda water
ROTATION RECAP:
Captivation and Variety
8.3 out of 11
Vocal Prowess
8.2 out of 11
Weight of the Heavy
7.9 out of 11
Fretwork Prowess
8.4 out of 11
Percussive Vision
8.2 out of 11
Originality
8.6 out of 11
Overall Album Flow
8.4 out of 11
Contrast
8.1 out of 11
Album Cover Aesthetics
9.6 out of 11
Production Value
8.4 out of 11
Final Thoughts:
We are big fans of Salem’s Pot and appreciate Nate Gone’s venture into different territories. While we are not aware if the album was a one-time side project or has staying power, we do recommend you give this one a rotation. It is a nice tangent for stoner rock fans to put their toe in the rockabilly and swing genres.
Band Members:
Mick Dagger
Nate Gone
Vic Odin
Timo Tinto
Grave Dave
Follow The Goners: Bandcamp / Facebook
