Review: Goat - Commune
By Eli Schoop, Contributor
[Sub Pop; 2014]
Rating: 7.5/10
Key Tracks: “Talk To God,” "Bondye,” “Gathering Of Ancient Tribes”
The first thing the average stranger should know about Goat is the band is from Sweden. Considering Goat's music, this could come as a bit of shock. Scandinavia, all snow and winter and constant desolation, contradicts the manic, we're-all-in-this-together vibe that Commune brings to the table.
But then again, Goat has always been a band that stood apart: The members don’t use their real names and preach pseudo-religious ideals and manifestos. Generally, Goat is an enigma. Having such a committed aesthetic puts all the more pressure on the music and Goat delivers on that front as well.
From the get-go, Commune is on a different plane from its predecessor, World Music. With its last LP, Goat was a quasi-jam band with extremely concise songwriting; every tune felt loose and fresh while still retaining an overall cohesion.
This time around, it feels as though every aspect is part of a much bigger picture Goat is painting. “Talk To God” is a linchpin opener, grandiose and invigorating, setting the mood easily. Goat’s is a style that freely refracts throughout, from the flamenco-esque rhythms of “The Light Within” to the immediate evocation of 70s rock in “Goatchild.” Nothing is out of place on Commune and it's a testament that Goat is adept at creating an atmosphere all its own.
The thing is, although that atmosphere is uniquely Goat's, it doesn't stay fresh throughout the record. For all of Goat’s interesting tones and textures they're reused quite a bit, which causes a droning effect not desired by such an upbeat band.
“Goatslaves” is a slog to get through in comparison to the mind-bending effects produced by the previous songs. When paired with “Hide From The Sun,” it becomes easy to be disaffected by these lame-duck efforts. They're not bad tracks, but they don't meet the quality put forth on the rest of Commune.
However, when examining Commune’s remainder, it's clear as to why these slight blips don't matter in the long run. “Bondye” is a wild, transporting instrumental that brings all the best parts of the album together in harmony. With fuzzy reverb, panicked drums and slung-out, moody guitar riffs, it's a variable hodge-podge of tribal incandescence with no brakes.
“Gathering Of Ancient Tribes” is a fitting climax to the madness, as the members bring forth mysticism that is awe-inspiring as it is enveloping. It's proof of the other universe Goat presumably comes from.
Thrilling from start to finish, Goat has produced a mammoth piece with Commune, one that doesn't require time to acquire a taste and is solid through and through, minus a few missteps.
