By: Dr. Matt Warnock
Because, I’m Not Myself You See is an engaging release by Oakland based, pop-punk band Goodbye Gadget. Bringing together electronica, power-pop, punk and modern rock, these five talented musicians grab the audience by the lapels and drag them into the musical storyboard that is Goodbye Gadget. While the strong, melodic vocals of lead singer Ana Isabel will bring to mind early No Doubt, Flyleaf and to a certain extent Evanescence, don’t be fooled, Goodbye Gadget may stay true to their influences, but they are innovators and definitely not imitators.
One of the biggest standouts on the album, and what will no doubt carry them to a successful career if they stick with it, is their creativity and no-fear attitude when it comes to musical experimentation. Though the album will be labeled as pop-punk, indie-rock, or whatever trendy moniker is floating around the blogosphere these days, there are moments like the intro to “Massed Gadgets of Hercules” that border on the avante-garde and modern experimentalism, something one would not get from most, if not all, modern pop-rock bands. It is this willingness to explore the ethereal possibilities of the sonic landscape that separate Goodbye Gadget from their peers, and that brings a level of intellectualism to their music that one would not expect from today’s over-crowded, radio-friendly scene.
This is not to say that the music is so original that it’s jarring or abrasive, far from it. One of the biggest reasons for the albums success is the subtle nature of the bands creativity. A great example of this is the use of layering during the song “Missing.” By weaving several melodic lines under the vocals in the guitars and keyboards that float in and out of the forefront in a seemingly effortless manner, the song creates a series of layers that move in and out of the listener’s peripheral listening scope. Each time the song is played back and re-listened to, different lines and melodies jump out from the background. Creating a listening experience that gets better with every playback of the song, a testament to the depth of the group’s music and to the detailed nature of their songwriting.
Because, I’m Not Myself You See is a solid release for Goodbye Gadget. Not only does it lend itself to an enjoyable listening experience for any fan of modern pop-rock music, those fans that like to dig deep into their musical experience will unearth a treasure trove of sonic gold with each pass through the album. Their use of melodic layering, innovative sampling and meaningful, easy to relate to lyrics are a combination that few bands ever achieve, and one that Goodbye Gadget has had the good fortune to find early in their careers.
Links
Goodbye Gadget Homepage
Because, I’m Not Myself You See on Amazon
