8

Goldfinger - Hello Destiny

Goldfinger have been spreading the word with their quirky ska punk sensibilities since they first formed in 1994. During this time they have released 6 studio albums, 3 live albums and many other EP’s and Singles. Their 7th studio album “Hello Destiny” is to be released on SideOneDummy records and marks the return of the bands original guitarist Charlie Paulsen who left the band in 1999.

In recent years Goldfinger have released albums which have let down fans of their older material. Many have felt that the newer material lacks the bands original ska edge, or that they have stopped pushing to find original approaches to the Goldfinger style. “Hello Destiny” is an up-beat and enjoyable album but does however emphasize some of these concerns.

If you are a relatively new fan of Goldfinger you will really enjoy this album. It’s a fast paced, explosive release with the odd sprinkling of slower melodic intensity. “Get Up” is a stand out track on the album and a definite song for summer.

There are however problems with this album which can’t be ignored. Many of the songs don’t include any trumpets or trombone and lack the ska feel which makes the band stand out. This leaves a lot of the tracks sounding normal and unoriginal. Although they are energetic and not necessarily bad songs I felt they lacked the Goldfinger style which many people have learnt to love, and that I could have been listening to any generic punk rock band.

Another thing to mention is that “Goodbye” and “Without Me” sound very similar to each other which is magnified by the fact that they are next to each other on the album.

“Hello Destiny” is not a bad album, the problem is that fans of the band have come to expect so much from Goldfinger, and when compared to past releases it is difficult for this album to stand up and be counted.

If you are a relatively new fan of the band I suggest you go out, buy some sun cream, a super soaker and a copy of this album and start enjoying summer accompanied by an up-beat, feel good album. If you have been a fan of Goldfinger for a long time and have become despondent with recent releases by the band, I would suggest that you buy this album anyway. You never know, you might just find something hidden in this album to revive your lost enthusiasm.