Go Time

Tight Like Wood

“the invisible film maker"
August 1, 2013 by Kim Yetch
The amount of completely useless drivel that tests the molecular structure of one's mettle these days, not to mention the fact that we are on camera everywhere we go, makes me want to go sit under a tree in the woods. Yes I would still probably be on camera but I wouldn't have to accidentally hear the latest "modern country" (which is really Bon Jovi with a fiddle) or the newest 20 "shirtless melodic metalcore" bands. Not that it infuriates me, it doesn't. I find it all very, very dull. Sit down and do nothing dull. Don't even want to bother picking my nose dull. Too dull to fall asleep dull. The current state of music, both popular and indie, only makes life more tedious. Then, one day, you discover a new band (Well, new to you because they actually have four releases and you realize that you are the doofus for being out of the loop) and this band excites you. They sound like Jay Farrar fronting The Lime Spiders. They sound like R.E.M. if led by Jonathan Richman. They sound like Nick Lowe writing songs for the Smithereens. This, however, is all minutiae. The real test is in the emotional release a recording can bring about. So now, 2 paragraphs later (specifically for all of you dorky bean counters out there), I'd like to give you my review of Go TIME! "tight like wood" Go Time makes me want to smash my stereo with a baseball bat and set my apartment on fire!

The Muses Muse
July 31, 2013 by Cyrus Rhodes
The CD kicks off with "The Lines Were Blurred” a rocked out kick-off statement delivering a heartfelt ditty that serves up steady rock beat reminiscent of vintage R.E.M complete with driven guitars, driving rock rhythm, impressive solo guitar and hard hitting message. Track 2 “Writer or Slut” keeps things moving with it’s aggressive rock groove, no holds barred vocal attack from Niekelski coupled and impressive melodic ambience and striking message. There’s one line from this song I like “There are so many Critics out there”. Track 3 “Simpler Times” keeps things moving with its rock steady feel, impressive rhythem guitar coupled with impressive vocals against a grand slam chorus that flows and ebbs it’s way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Smithereens, R.E.M. Tom Petty, to The Byrds and The Ramones. The actual musical format is very intimate, and up close: a personal snapshot of a band. The songs themselves are very naked and personal with messages revealing the highs and lows of life, love, passion and do I dare say life’s observations. Overall the catalogue is upbeat, methodical, providing a brilliant perspective on life. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice brief splashes of Classic Rock and Jam Band overtones, well placed rhythm and solo guitar, Keyboards, Electronic Piano, Organ, and lush harmonies layered everywhere all built upon a thick as a brick rhythmic foundation. Lyrical content is extremely revealing and thought provoking. All songs cut deep to the core and its obvious Niekelski and company are also very capable songwriters. From rocking “In a Certain Mood” and Sorry Someday” to heartfelt “The Life We Once Had” melodic “See Alice” to full throttle “Dead and Gone” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 16 “Jealous Dance” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber. In the end the strong suit of "Go Time" is their strong consistency, lyrical wisdom, bold passion and raw straightforwardness. Make no bones about it folks; it took raw courage and honesty to write and perform these songs. What I like most about "Go Time" is there is no attempt to hide how they feel, or sugarcoat the truth. I really admire artists out there who are themselves and just let the chips fall where they may. Praise goes out to the artist that has the courage to show us something real and genuine beneath their veil of vanity. Go Time is one of those artists/bands. http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev

Broken Hearted Toy
May 14, 2013
It’s not surprising to find Go Time! pursuing a melodic sound that bridges the gap between hard rock and power pop on its latest release. The Chicago-based quartet has done well with that approach on its previous CDs, Hit It and Boneshaker. Lead vocalist-guitarist Scott Niekelski retains his distinctive, talky delivery on the 16-track Tight Like Wood, but the music is definitely more complex, with Go Time! infusing the energetic arrangements with more nuances and dimensions while Niekelski hones his songwriting skills.
The immediately engaging “The Life We Once Knew” is a prime example, with its masterful blend of acoustic and electric guitars. On “Days Of The Weak,” Go Time! builds a big sound with guitars and keyboards, while the mid-tempo “Thought You’d See” evokes R.E.M., with an additional touch of Co - Go Time

Tight Like Wood

“the invisible film maker"
August 1, 2013 by Kim Yetch
The amount of completely useless drivel that tests the molecular structure of one's mettle these days, not to mention the fact that we are on camera everywhere we go, makes me want to go sit under a tree in the woods. Yes I would still probably be on camera but I wouldn't have to accidentally hear the latest "modern country" (which is really Bon Jovi with a fiddle) or the newest 20 "shirtless melodic metalcore" bands. Not that it infuriates me, it doesn't. I find it all very, very dull. Sit down and do nothing dull. Don't even want to bother picking my nose dull. Too dull to fall asleep dull. The current state of music, both popular and indie, only makes life more tedious. Then, one day, you discover a new band (Well, new to you because they actually have four releases and you realize that you are the doofus for being out of the loop) and this band excites you. They sound like Jay Farrar fronting The Lime Spiders. They sound like R.E.M. if led by Jonathan Richman. They sound like Nick Lowe writing songs for the Smithereens. This, however, is all minutiae. The real test is in the emotional release a recording can bring about. So now, 2 paragraphs later (specifically for all of you dorky bean counters out there), I'd like to give you my review of Go TIME! "tight like wood" Go Time makes me want to smash my stereo with a baseball bat and set my apartment on fire!

The Muses Muse
July 31, 2013 by Cyrus Rhodes
The CD kicks off with "The Lines Were Blurred” a rocked out kick-off statement delivering a heartfelt ditty that serves up steady rock beat reminiscent of vintage R.E.M complete with driven guitars, driving rock rhythm, impressive solo guitar and hard hitting message. Track 2 “Writer or Slut” keeps things moving with it’s aggressive rock groove, no holds barred vocal attack from Niekelski coupled and impressive melodic ambience and striking message. There’s one line from this song I like “There are so many Critics out there”. Track 3 “Simpler Times” keeps things moving with its rock steady feel, impressive rhythem guitar coupled with impressive vocals against a grand slam chorus that flows and ebbs it’s way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic Smithereens, R.E.M. Tom Petty, to The Byrds and The Ramones. The actual musical format is very intimate, and up close: a personal snapshot of a band. The songs themselves are very naked and personal with messages revealing the highs and lows of life, love, passion and do I dare say life’s observations. Overall the catalogue is upbeat, methodical, providing a brilliant perspective on life. Besides the 4 piece standard you will also notice brief splashes of Classic Rock and Jam Band overtones, well placed rhythm and solo guitar, Keyboards, Electronic Piano, Organ, and lush harmonies layered everywhere all built upon a thick as a brick rhythmic foundation. Lyrical content is extremely revealing and thought provoking. All songs cut deep to the core and its obvious Niekelski and company are also very capable songwriters. From rocking “In a Certain Mood” and Sorry Someday” to heartfelt “The Life We Once Had” melodic “See Alice” to full throttle “Dead and Gone” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with Track 16 “Jealous Dance” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber. In the end the strong suit of "Go Time" is their strong consistency, lyrical wisdom, bold passion and raw straightforwardness. Make no bones about it folks; it took raw courage and honesty to write and perform these songs. What I like most about "Go Time" is there is no attempt to hide how they feel, or sugarcoat the truth. I really admire artists out there who are themselves and just let the chips fall where they may. Praise goes out to the artist that has the courage to show us something real and genuine beneath their veil of vanity. Go Time is one of those artists/bands. http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev

Broken Hearted Toy
May 14, 2013
It’s not surprising to find Go Time! pursuing a melodic sound that bridges the gap between hard rock and power pop on its latest release. The Chicago-based quartet has done well with that approach on its previous CDs, Hit It and Boneshaker. Lead vocalist-guitarist Scott Niekelski retains his distinctive, talky delivery on the 16-track Tight Like Wood, but the music is definitely more complex, with Go Time! infusing the energetic arrangements with more nuances and dimensions while Niekelski hones his songwriting skills.
The immediately engaging “The Life We Once Knew” is a prime example, with its masterful blend of acoustic and electric guitars. On “Days Of The Weak,” Go Time! builds a big sound with guitars and keyboards, while the mid-tempo “Thought You’d See” evokes R.E.M., with an additional touch of Co - Go Time

Americana U.K.
the UK home for Americana, alt-country and alternative
Go Time! “Speak” (Independent, 2009)


Support a local indie band

Go Time! are four fresh fellows from Chicago who have produced an album chockfull of energetic songs embracing a power pop idiom with more than a nod to the grungier end of that style.

The ghosts of bands such as The Flamin’ Groovies and Australia’s The Scientists hover about as Go Time! thrash around. There are also intimations of the punkier side of the great Long Ryders and, at times, the Drive By Truckers. The guitars are upfront, slashing away while Scott Niekelski’s vocals fit the music perfectly. “Just Don’t Know Why” is almost a text book exercise in how to build up a great song, excellent guitar solos, & driving rhythm… That said there is no denying the quality of Scott Niekelski’s writing or the verve with which the band approach the songs.

There are several other songs here such as “Too Far Gone” and the opener “You Know” that sound fabulous. Someone should give them a wad of money to go and re-record the album. In the meantime It’s well worth a listen especially if you have a place in your heart for all of those bands in the eighties who recorded for New Rose Records and kept a punk/garage/americana sensibility alive.
- Americana U.K.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Essential Music Review
Go Time! - Speak

A friend of mine gave me this CD to listen to. I checked out their my space to see what was going on here.
They are a Chicago band. They are bringing some life back to rock. It is a mixture of all the things that I like (the Pixies, Big Star, The Replacements, Husker Du). Very recognizable parts of many different kinds of music. Mind you that they takes all these things and blend them into a new sound that invites the listener in (or it did me).
I read reviews of this album posted on their my space. The reviews were spot on – everything had a great hook – and a way to keep me into the album. I could see myself listening to this album again for sure. I found that they have received a lot of great reviews and radio, but are still flying under the radar.
Songs like Broken Retro fit are catchy from beginning to end. Cost has a feel of the early 60’s. Hey Day starts out vibey and switches to a pop punk attack. There are moments of Americana as well. This band seems to take all I like and mix it up into one big package without being a copy of other artists. It is as if they were experimenting and made the perfect rock and roll monster.
There is a lo fi quality of the record – but I think it pays homage to the lo fi alternative movement as started by Guided by Voices. The band is tight – and the production gives an endearing live quality to the record.
- The Essential Music Review

Earl Clifton Radio
Episode 10 of 2009
Podcast ID ECR-10-2009
Go Time! - "Rust to Rust" these guys sent out a disc and I've got to say they grow on you like grass being well watered during the summer, great garage rock sounds!
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gotime
- Earl Clifton Radio Show

Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Go Time! - Speak


Speak is a thunderous 14 track rock-fest that shoots straight from the hip, well straight from Chicago actually in the form of four piece Go Time. Officially formed in 2007, though with a new line-up in 2008, Go Time are a group of musical nomads who have come together from various projects dating back almost ten years to produce a fantastic collection of melodic pop, which has more than a hint of retro rock to it. "Wait and See" combines machine gun like drums from Steve Grzenia sublimely with the lead guitar and vocals of Scott Niekelski, whilst "Cost" sounds like it could have been a hit of years gone by with its 60s back beat and whining guitar effects thanks to the guitar of Paul Schmidt and bass of Marko Marketti. For all those who claim that the age of rock and roll is over due to the rise of manufactured groups and boy bands, give Speak a listen, it might just change your opinion.
Posted by Hubbub UK
- Posted by Hubbub UK

The Razor and Di Show
WLUW.org Chicago Illinois
Revolutionary …. The Cheap Trick of the New Millennium!

- The Razor & Di Show

Go Time! — Speak
Sound Gypsy
Caitlin Hotchkiss (CHARTattack)
08/28/2009 11:36am

The rock 'n' roll world is one of those places where the adage "don't judge a book by its cover" (or rather, don't judge an album by its cover art") applies more than most, and a strong case for this would be Chicago quartet Go Time!.
Go Time! inhabit that same classic rock world of a younger Blue Rodeo or even Kim Mitchell. There are no Cookie-it's straight-up blue collar American rock. There's just no sense of pretention or tongue-in-cheek irony.
This is four guys kicking out solid country-rock-ish jams in tracks such as "Just Don't Know Why" and "Cost." Plus, the opening of "Hey Day" actually sounds a hell of a lot like Queens Of The Stone Age, and I mean that in a good way. It's definitely enough to make the casual listener sit up and take notice.

All in all, though, Speak was a rather solid surprise find, and if this album is any indication, Go Time! would probably go over like gangbusters in bars down south. From here on, it's probably best not to judge these guys by their cover.
- Caitlin Hotchkiss

2009, Go Time!

Chicago's Go Time! Go Time!; Speak draws from the same well as fellow Mid-Westerners The Psychodots (aka The Bears); mixing a working-class vocal ethic with mildly crunchy rock tunes you can really dig into.

Speak opens with You Know, a relatively monochromatic rocker with a Lowest Of The Low guitar style and a mildly catchy melody. This is bar rock at its most essential. Rust To Rust - a bit with an edgy guitar opening and a driving rhythm to kick things into high gear. This is an excellent tune, built on a melody you won't be able to shake and a compact, concise arrangement . My Suicide is a high-energy, upbeat song about giving up and walking away; more about change than death, the song is a thoughtful for a rock tune that features some killer guitar work.

Hey Day breaks out the Rockin' Rhythm N Blues in a dark tune that sounds more like the Tragically Hip than anyone else I can think of. Just Don't Know Why, is highly danceable Rock N Roll that will have you up and moving before the intro's done. Cost lays it open with a bit of Guitar/Pop/Punk that's as fun to listen to as I'm sure it is to play. Imagine if the Ramones and The Knickerbockers jammed together; it might sound something like this.

Go Time! is a strong band with great material and a fun and frothy Garage aesthetic. Speak is a fitting debut for a band that's steeped in the past but hasn't forsake the future. The melodies in here - above average, and there's a distinct emphasis on structure (thanks to the rhythm section of Marketti & Grzenia) that allows the band to stay tight. Speak is worth checking out.
- Wildy Haskell

Issue # 47
Go Time Speak -
“Go Time indeed, as in time to go to any bar these moody power poppers are rocking! Great psychedelic-cloud production makes these straight forward pop tunes sound extra awesome."
- Rocktober Magazine Issue 47

Leicesterbangs.com
Carl J 10/12/09
Go Time – Speak (Sound Gypsy Records)
I suspect that Chicago's Go Time are a decent live outfit. They have a collection of well – crafted rock outs available and it will sell well at gigs as a slightly sanitised, rather polite version of what they should be. This CD serves well ... highlights - the harmonies and intricate guitar parts underneath the driving power pop. Highlights include the country pop of “Wait and See”, which has an early REM feel and the throbbing opener “You Know”. This might be one for friends and family but certainly warrants exploration on MySpace – just don't confuse them with The Go Team...
- Carl J - Leicester Bangs . Com

Issue # 47
Go Time Speak -
“Go Time indeed, as in time to go to any bar these moody power poppers are rocking! Great psychedelic-cloud production makes these straight forward pop tunes sound extra awesome."
- Rocktober Magazine Issue 47

Go Time hail from Chicago and their album 'Speak' is a concoction of powerful sounding guitars that mix pop sensibilities with elements of rock and overtones of the best the guitar noise bands from down the years. They have gone for a low-fi sound that allows the energy contained within each song to come across unencumbered by any glossy production values. The arrangements and playing throughout the album is tight and very well executed.

'Rust to Rust' is a great burst of energy with controlled guitar screams underpinning thrashy punky guitar rythmns.'Hey Day' is full of drive that encompasses all the best elements of 60's garage rock and also has suggestions of band such as early 90's Brit noise merchants Ride. 'No Sense to Lend' is a slower paced number, but the guitars still bite like hell, whilst still being melodic and attractive.

Singer Scott Niekelski's vocals sit well over the top of the roaring guitars and has a slightly detached but authoritative tone which just adds to the whole sense of urgency that pervades the album from start to finish, even in their quieter moments.

If you're into bands that just cut to the chase with their songwriting and get on with getting their message across with the minimum of fuss, but without dispensing with the necessary hooks needed to draw you in then 'Speak' will be right up your street. If this is a sign of the start of a trend towards this type of music, then I will be the first in the queue for more of it. Buy it!

- Kevin Wallbank - Psychedelic Central

Go Time hail from Chicago and their album 'Speak' is a concoction of powerful sounding guitars that mix pop sensibilities with elements of rock and overtones of the best the guitar noise bands from down the years. They have gone for a low-fi sound that allows the energy contained within each song to come across unencumbered by any glossy production values. The arrangements and playing throughout the album is tight and very well executed.

'Rust to Rust' is a great burst of energy with controlled guitar screams underpinning thrashy punky guitar rythmns.'Hey Day' is full of drive that encompasses all the best elements of 60's garage rock and also has suggestions of band such as early 90's Brit noise merchants Ride. 'No Sense to Lend' is a slower paced number, but the guitars still bite like hell, whilst still being melodic and attractive.

Singer Scott Niekelski's vocals sit well over the top of the roaring guitars and has a slightly detached but authoritative tone which just adds to the whole sense of urgency that pervades the album from start to finish, even in their quieter moments.

If you're into bands that just cut to the chase with their songwriting and get on with getting their message across with the minimum of fuss, but without dispensing with the necessary hooks needed to draw you in then 'Speak' will be right up your street. If this is a sign of the start of a trend towards this type of music, then I will be the first in the queue for more of it. Buy it!

- Kevin Wallbank - Psychedelic Central