Saything

A blaring trumpet introduced the first of many schizophrenic songs from Saything. Layered with odd tones and aggressive riffs, the band's set exuded a level of artistic angst and chaos...Saything displayed strong musicianship, particularly in their quieter moments where singer Winston Goertz-Giffen's characteristic vocal grit and growl could clearly shine through. - Performer

from a review of Saything songwriter Winston's recording project "Ted the Block":::

Ted the Block

Thinkinging...

Produced by Winston Goertz-Giffen

Straight from the hands, feet and mouth of Oakland-based genius Winston Goertz-Giffen comes Thinkinging... It’s obvious that a lot of time, effort and passion went into the making of this album; from the hand-carved wooden case in which the CD arrives to the layers of complex instrumentation that decorate the music, all signs indicate an undeniable talent.

The album makes use of acoustic and electric guitars, bells, keys, horns, whirring devices, strings and, most importantly, percussion. Easily the most noteworthy element of Thinkinging... is its incredible juggernaut of a beat. Ranging from the pop and snap of a junkyard ensemble to the booming crash of tribal warfare, Ted the Block’s backbone lies in the brilliant composition of the drums (not totally surprising, considering his role as drummer for Bay Area band The Aimless Never Miss). This in combination with the occasionally delicate melodies and full-blown ensemble parts create an album that provides consistent excitement. Goertz-Giffen’s vocals (which he also showcases as singer of another Bay Area act, Saything) follow the trend as well – sometimes scary, often sweet, rarely vulnerable, raspy and just enough straight-up pop to never get boring. His sonic signature sparks comparisons to Ben Kweller in its sweetness, Okay in its love-rasp and even moments of Built to Spill in its airy hauntingness.

An album adorned with such clever complexity is difficult to find; it is clear within moments of any given song that this was constructed by a refreshingly creative, vastly talented musician, with big ideas that don’t fall short of complete and total satisfaction. (Self-released)

www.myspace.com/tedtheblock

-Evan “The Bug” Williamson - Performer