Go-Zilla
It’s not often we’re contacted about ‘dance-rock’, but when Chris from London based Go-Zilla got in touch, that’s what we were presented with! Having formed in 2011 (the 20th of March to be precise) as a result of a phone call from Chris to Jon in which he asked that fateful question – do you want to start a band. A couple of years down the line and here we are, Go-Zilla a fully-fledged band with a self-titled album out there, and this genre which I’ve never fully understood about to go under the microscope for examination to see what we think of things – but enough of me wittering bollocks! What of the music from Go-Zilla then – what indeed to we have in store from this self-titled debut?!
Kicking things into motion with Go-Zilla (intro)we’re led into a bass heavy mix of dance synth effects, but with an underlying darkness, suggesting that what’s to come is something far more beastly than you might first think. Heavy bass rhythms merge with the upbeat synth, resulting in a sound that you want to move to, but at the same time want to play really bloody loud so you can appreciate every single moment of it. As the track fades and we’re led into Camden Queen the full colours of the album are revealed, offering up a sound that’s a perfect combination of bass heavy beats, heavy guitar lines and soaring vocal lines – it’s a mix that’s sure to catch you off guard, get you involved and make you wonder how you ever questioned the genre. Catchy and powerful throughout, it’s striking how well the guys have mixed the sound together, resulting in a sound that’s destined to be played loud, and loved by all who hear it.
Moving on to Our Tomorrow ft Gemma Dand things continueas they began, this time kicking into being with brazen synth before launching into a rap orientated melee of synth and bass heavy rhythms. Powerful yet uplifting thanks to the layered vocal samples, this track once again manages to pack a punch without going over the top. ‘We have a right to stand and fight’ seems to hammer out as a statement of authority before pulling back from the edge with some simply incredible female vocals, combining different approaches with aplomb. Fading into the opening crowd samples of Get On The Dancefloor, everything is toned down a notch all of a sudden, moving to a far more dance orientated sound yet managing to keep that rock feel running through things with the heavy drum and bass combination we’re presented with. Once again managing to convert the sound into their own with that catchy edge, there’s something about this track which stands out as a showcase of the bands style, showing what they’re capable of, what their outlook is, and how able they are at doing it – definitely a moment to check out.
Continuing to throw out tracks which combine the bands different outlooks through the mighty Throwdown, the smooth yet compelling Chasing Shadows, the rap orientated What Would You Give and the acoustic moments of Don’t Wait For Me, each track showcases the ability of a band who may have formed thanks to a phone call, but have a genuine understanding of what they’re doing and how to go about it. Once again shifting their style for Keep Breathing we’re presented with what is, in my opinion, the high point of the album, and a moment which is surely destined for a single release. Softer and acoustically orientated initially, the emotional edge to this track hammers it home whilst the soft backing guitar work keeps things moving. Still managing to keep a synth line moving throughout the track we’re presented with an anthem, a moment that’ll sit you on your ass and force you to listen, and a moment that moves Go-Zilla from the ranks of start-up band to well-known and well-loved band – I simply can’t get enough of this track. Building to an almighty crescendo, as this track comes to a close it’s a case of wow, nothing else need be said, other than this is a track to make sure you check out.
Moving onto The Rise we’re set free from the emotional bindings of the previous track and once again launched into a dance orientated track designed to get those speakers pumping and people moving. Sludgy bass rhythms work with soaring synth resulting in a sound that’s hard, heavy, dirty and dance-worthy. I love the heavy bass on this track, it’s the sort of sound you feel rather than hear, the sort of thing that’ll get your neighbours banging on the walls telling you to turn it up so they can hear more. It’s only then left to Wolfpack ft Betty Be Famous, once again keeping the dance approach firmly at the root of the track whilst adding in their own signature approach over the top of it all. Mixing different elements throughout, the closing moments close the album on an upbeat and in your face manner, leaving you with a serious taste for what you’ve heard.
As I said at the start, I’ve never understood dance infused rock as it kind of all just washed over me, yet Go-Zilla seem to have managed to create a sound that’s more accessible and way more up my street. From start to finish this is an album that’s well put together, well mixed, and the sort of thing that you’re going to want to play really, really loud. Definitely a band I’ll be looking to hear more of in the future – make sure you check these guys out.
To find out more about Go-Zilla, check out their Facebook page HERE and their album HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Kicking things into motion with Go-Zilla (intro)we’re led into a bass heavy mix of dance synth effects, but with an underlying darkness, suggesting that what’s to come is something far more beastly than you might first think. Heavy bass rhythms merge with the upbeat synth, resulting in a sound that you want to move to, but at the same time want to play really bloody loud so you can appreciate every single moment of it. As the track fades and we’re led into Camden Queen the full colours of the album are revealed, offering up a sound that’s a perfect combination of bass heavy beats, heavy guitar lines and soaring vocal lines – it’s a mix that’s sure to catch you off guard, get you involved and make you wonder how you ever questioned the genre. Catchy and powerful throughout, it’s striking how well the guys have mixed the sound together, resulting in a sound that’s destined to be played loud, and loved by all who hear it.
Moving on to Our Tomorrow ft Gemma Dand things continueas they began, this time kicking into being with brazen synth before launching into a rap orientated melee of synth and bass heavy rhythms. Powerful yet uplifting thanks to the layered vocal samples, this track once again manages to pack a punch without going over the top. ‘We have a right to stand and fight’ seems to hammer out as a statement of authority before pulling back from the edge with some simply incredible female vocals, combining different approaches with aplomb. Fading into the opening crowd samples of Get On The Dancefloor, everything is toned down a notch all of a sudden, moving to a far more dance orientated sound yet managing to keep that rock feel running through things with the heavy drum and bass combination we’re presented with. Once again managing to convert the sound into their own with that catchy edge, there’s something about this track which stands out as a showcase of the bands style, showing what they’re capable of, what their outlook is, and how able they are at doing it – definitely a moment to check out.
Continuing to throw out tracks which combine the bands different outlooks through the mighty Throwdown, the smooth yet compelling Chasing Shadows, the rap orientated What Would You Give and the acoustic moments of Don’t Wait For Me, each track showcases the ability of a band who may have formed thanks to a phone call, but have a genuine understanding of what they’re doing and how to go about it. Once again shifting their style for Keep Breathing we’re presented with what is, in my opinion, the high point of the album, and a moment which is surely destined for a single release. Softer and acoustically orientated initially, the emotional edge to this track hammers it home whilst the soft backing guitar work keeps things moving. Still managing to keep a synth line moving throughout the track we’re presented with an anthem, a moment that’ll sit you on your ass and force you to listen, and a moment that moves Go-Zilla from the ranks of start-up band to well-known and well-loved band – I simply can’t get enough of this track. Building to an almighty crescendo, as this track comes to a close it’s a case of wow, nothing else need be said, other than this is a track to make sure you check out.
Moving onto The Rise we’re set free from the emotional bindings of the previous track and once again launched into a dance orientated track designed to get those speakers pumping and people moving. Sludgy bass rhythms work with soaring synth resulting in a sound that’s hard, heavy, dirty and dance-worthy. I love the heavy bass on this track, it’s the sort of sound you feel rather than hear, the sort of thing that’ll get your neighbours banging on the walls telling you to turn it up so they can hear more. It’s only then left to Wolfpack ft Betty Be Famous, once again keeping the dance approach firmly at the root of the track whilst adding in their own signature approach over the top of it all. Mixing different elements throughout, the closing moments close the album on an upbeat and in your face manner, leaving you with a serious taste for what you’ve heard.
As I said at the start, I’ve never understood dance infused rock as it kind of all just washed over me, yet Go-Zilla seem to have managed to create a sound that’s more accessible and way more up my street. From start to finish this is an album that’s well put together, well mixed, and the sort of thing that you’re going to want to play really, really loud. Definitely a band I’ll be looking to hear more of in the future – make sure you check these guys out.
To find out more about Go-Zilla, check out their Facebook page HERE and their album HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls