Godspeed

Ride (Atlantic)
by Paul Lee

Godspeed has two bassists and only one guitarist to add more thunder to their already crushing sound. These five guys from Jersey know how to brew a nasty, skull-battering concoction that somehow fuses metal, hardcore, and acid rock all in one. Their debut on Atlantic, entitled Ride, ths is pretty reckless (and neck-wrecking) stuff.

There’s an overabundance of hard music on the scene, but Godspeed seem to rise above the clone bands out there. With some odd and angry lyrics and a harsh sound that makes your body shudder and move with its vicious vibrations, Godspeed do their damage. I wouldn’t say this is scary stuff, but it may intimidate those straight-laced, Whitney Houston loving neighbors. You might call this acid groove-core. Not a soothing thing about Ride can be found.

Though they can get a wee bit repetitious at times, overall Ride will slam you. Godspeed is a thoroughly grungy, destructive, trippy and twisted band with a release that will wreak havoc with your nervous system.