THE GODOYS

If Tim Kasher wrote lyrics for The Smiths, I’m sure it would sound something like the crooning calling lust for life that embodies The Godoys.

Guitarist Adam Garcia, 19, music major, and his throwback band of pseudo-greasers played for a chilled out crowd at the Rhythm Lounge in Long Beach Friday. Coincidence that it was Morrissey’s birthday? I’m not so sure.

Complete with Ooh Las and Ooh wah oohs the 80's rock-a-billy sound is surprisingly refreshing amidst the screaming, screeching and babbling nonsense of todays “rock” scene. These charismatic hooks dig in deep and just won’t let go. You’ll smile, laugh and long again for your first love, that much I promise.

The delivery was simple but soulful from singer and lyricist Anthony Godoy, 21, with his brother Robbie Godoy, 20, on lead guitar with Garcia on rhythm guitar. Drummer Carlos Maldanado, 27, was the final piece to the puzzle joining the band after they found bassist Sal Solis, 20, to fill out their ranks and their sound.

The full lineup has been together for less than a month but determination has garnered them three shows already and a fourth planned for this Friday and the legendary Key Club in Hollywood. The music drove the performance with a surprising variety of drum beats backing plucky guitars and a bass that thumped away through it all.

Their set was eerily reminiscent of Morrissey’s Viva Hate debut, if slightly less refined, but there were more traditional pieces as well, like the upbeat “Pretty Paramedic,” which plays out exactly as the title suggests. My personal favorite for the night was “Peugeot on the Town”, a soulful ode to the peace a bike ride can bring when drinking just won’t cut it.

Most of the lyrics are pulled straight from the bands own unique experiences with women, work, love and an unappreciative society. Altogether it was a more intelligent look at life than modern rock typically offers today. It is music from the young at heart with the scars to prove it.

Fans of The Cure, Morrissey (obviously), Koffin Kats and New Order would do well to keep an eye, and ear, on The Godoys. They are rapidly building catalogue for some good old fashioned rock from the annals of life’s little wonders (and bigger disappointments).

The band is young for sure, but improved steadily even throughout the performance. The dedication they showed in such a quick turnaround from selection to stage is admirable in itself. With a bit more practice and a little confidence I have no doubt this won’t be the las we hear of The Godoys. Four stars for sure, only because there is always room for improvement, and I can’t wait to see it.

You can find some songs (though sadly not my personal favorite “Peugeot on the Town”) on their Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/godoyboys or next Friday at the Key Club. Call 562-201-7679 for ticket info.

Frank Cardenas
Editor-In-Chief
Mountiewire.com

No TweetBacks yet. (Be the first to Tweet this post)
- Frank Cardenas "Mountie News"