A quick look at Goodtimes Boys’ Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/goodtimeboys?sk=info) will show you that this is a band that spent pretty much the entire of 2010 playing shows. It’s no wonder then, that they’ve managed to become a formidable mash of energy and force, and there’s no finer example of this than Are We Now, Or Have We Ever Been.

Wake’s unpredictable, short instrumental opening is a perfect introduction for what is to come. Goodtime Boys are an alarming mix of fast-paced aggression and calm, despaired ambience. They succeed in both, one second conveying desperation and hope and then dispersing into bleak soundscape.

If this EP were a condition, it would be something along the lines of bipolar disorder. It’s the sound of something which seems to constantly be at war with itself. It’s never uplifting, but always questioning and conflicting, taking multiple directions which are punctuated by descriptive vocals.

Bliss features ascending chords and a frantic conclusion, which brings the end of the record to Sleep, an engaging composition and perhaps the finest of the record. The surprising amount of clarity in the vocals means that the slow, gradual driving force sections are able to feature loud, honest declarations amongst the dimensions of fragility.

As a whole, this EP doesn’t feel like 5 separate tracks that were selected and recorded for release. Instead, it flows like a clear, cohesive piece of work with a steady, gripping yet fragmented direction. This holds much promise.

Are We Now, Or Have We Ever Been is released on May 30th, and is currently streaming on Spotify.

Goodtime Boys are touring with Bastions. Catch them at the following venues:

May 9th – The Duke of Wellington, Lincoln
May 10th – The Honest Politician, Portsmouth
May 11th – The Unicorn, London (Camden)
May 15th – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

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