Space Goblin

In singer-guitarist Elliot Barry's world, his act Space Goblin is a '90s-inspired band that musically borrows from many familiar names to create its own unique sound.

"It's pretty straightforward rock 'n' roll with a lot of guitar solos and crunchy riffs and melodic vocals," said Barry, a Maple Heights native and 2001 Benedictine High School graduate. "I'd say if Nirvana, Tool and Stone Temple Pilots had a kid, we'd be like their bastard child."

Imagining such a scenario could take place, that a band could be procreated by its influences, who would get custodial rights?

"Kurt (Cobain)...actually Courtney (Love) would, which is bad," Barry laughed. "But Kurt is the biggest influence on the band."

Formed less than two years ago, Space Goblin is about to unleash its debut, "Goblins Never Say Die," on the Northeast Ohio music scene later this summer. New tracks that Barry and his band mates are excited about include the energetic "InStereo" and rocking "Alien Surf Boy Jam."

"I just think the music itself is very satisfying to me," said Barry, who now calls Parma home. "I've played in other bands before and yeah, it's cool being in a band, but I would listen to what we play. I like a lot of mainstream bands, but I think we bring something kind of new to the table. It's different, yet it's still recycled rock 'n' roll."

He added, "Yeah, it's grungy and it's kind of punk-y and kind of metal. I don't think we really sound like any other band. We're too punk to be a metal band and too metal to be a punk band."

Currently Space Goblin is playing out as many live dates as it can prior to releasing its first album. In addition to the aforementioned songs, Barry said the band is playing covers such as Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" and Nirvana's "Aneurysm." There's even talk of recording the latter track for a future release. You can see Space Goblin Friday (June 27) when the band opens for Rosella at the Agora Ballroom.

When asked if his band's name is too goofy for it to be taken seriously, Barry doesn't hesitate with his answer.

"There is (a chance it's goofy), but I don't think it matters," he said. "I mean, a guy named Meatloaf sold millions of records." - Posted by John Benson June 26, 2008 10:25AM Cleveland.com