The Goods is a perfect band name. After all, a band confident or cocky enough to state upfront they have what it takes, what more could you want? I’d say, bring it on! But in the case of new Oakland outfit The Goods, there is an alternative explanation for picking the name. They are fronted by Rob Good, who has paid his dues in bands like Sob Stories, Cocktails, and Re-Volts. As such, The Goods may be Good’s attempt to become 2023’s version of the Ramones, even though at least for now, his fellow members on their debut EP have not adopted the Good surname yet. They are drummer Paul Wiseman of Not and seasoned session bassist Cherron Arens.
The influences for The Goods? Redd Kross, Young Guv, Tom Petty, Matthew Sweet, The Jam, Green Day and Cheap Trick. Those are decades-spanning, and it shows. The Goods manage to sound both classic and modern in their songs, both clean and powerful, and they hit 3 for 3 with David Jones Is Dead, Dear Angeline and I’m Not The Only One. Make it 4 for 4 if you include the digital only bonus track Hear Me. The press release explicitly states how The Goods is no retro-revivalist vanity project. These are songs with a heart and soul of their own. Like Rob Good says about his debut with The Goods: “Music is ultimately a labor of love, and if you love the music you’re making it shines through in the songs. We had a blast making this record and I think it shows.”
E.P. is out now through Dandy Boy Records. Fans of power pop should be all over it.
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