Goldtrip – Time Is All We Have

Almost a year on from the band’s debut EP, I Try, Bristol band Goldtrip have released their first stand-alone single, in search of that coveted spot on the Radio One playlist.

It’s all there - the production, the strings, the general arena presence. The band feels experienced enough to launch an assault on the charts, and this audacity has accumulated from the touring and recording over the last three years.

This track, as ambitious as it is, is not Goldtrip’s finest. The musicianship is again fantastic, and the production sweeps a thick smattering of stardust on the track’s themes. However, it is not symbolic of the band’s recent forays into other styles, exemplified by set list regular Lion’s Den, and thus loses a little of the band’s identity.

Perhaps the track is a way of appealing to the masses before displaying their full palette in an album. It may work, with the Coldplay-esque jangly guitars and soaring melody are pulled off flawlessly, but this cannot become the overriding theme of the band’s music in the long term if interest is to be maintained.

Lead singer Dom’s vocals are powerful and heartfelt, given extra weight by the layered production. The rhythm section is tight and the guitars run delicately over the top; all through the track the sound layers are harmonious.

However, Time is All We Have lacks the drama songs like Running Out of Love, while missing the innovation of Lion’s Den. It is clear Goldtrip are on the right track, and have a diverse range of sounds befitting of an album. But it is important for them to maintain their identity in all their work to become a stand-out on a mainstream playlist, especially considering the level of competition in the indie music scene from so many acts.

If this track manages to break the charts, we can hope to see the band’s confidence flourish, leading to the demonstration of a truly original style. What is clear is that there is potential lurking under the surface, waiting for the moment before release. This may be the tool which unlocks that. 

Goldtrip – Cargo February 3rd, 2012

Goldtrip’s first London concert of 2012 saw the band pick up where they left off, having reached the stage where new songs stream seamlessly into established sets.

As the experience stacks up the understanding between the band members has grown markedly; the powerful dynamic was evident from band member to band member, with lead singer Dom Little again exuding charisma. The songs continue to churn out at an impressive rate, while the bouncy Lion’s Den looks increasingly like the number that may see an impending breakthrough into the rock mainstream.

The slot ahead of headliners Don’t Wait Animate meant the band’s time on stage was short, but anything that has seen audiences swell and plaudits roll was on show in a packed 30 minutes. Songs like Journeys and Changing Platform demonstrated the band’s knack for catchy indie rock with belting rhythms, while opener Poor Boy should be a candidate for the next EP.

The shuddering halt in momentum at the end of closer Time was palpable, and it felt strange for a band with a revered live presence to occupy the warm-up spot for another developing band. One or two slower numbers may have varied proceedings a touch but there is already an ideal template for the band’s future progress. Lion’s Den in particular highlights the versatility of the band, and Little’s, sound, venturing further from well-trodden paths of indie. More support slots with established acts, such as Bon Jovi last year, will bring further plaudits and perhaps a coveted place on the Radio One playlist.

Judging from the rapid progress achieved through 2011, there is no reason why big advances can’t be made in 2012, provided that a major record label is just around the corner.