The Go Round’s Gritty, Heartbroken Tunes [free Album]

One of my earliest, somewhat underground, subgenre musical loves was alt-country from the early 90’s (The Jayhawks, early Wilco, Son Volt, Uncle Tupelo, etc.). I have also been known to almost obsessively follow the punk-folk and pop-punk underground scenes (Plan-It X records especially). The Go Round (@thegoround) really hit on those love spots for me.

They are definitely more folk and country than bands like Defiance, Ohio, but they could easily share the bill for a live performance. Eastern Parkway, the band’s newest EP out on Riot Act, has the sound of ghosts and railways, bars and cigarettes, acoustic guitars and fiddles.  The lead vocals are always appropriately gritty and heartbroken, though they never ring false as some in this realm can.

A particular highlight is the opening song “Open Hearted”.  A lovely acoustic strum starts off this instantly familiar melody, reminding me of Bob Dylan and The Band’s Basement Tapes, especially “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”.  They both have wonderful melodies that invoke songs of old and seem to share a fascination with what Greil Marcus dubbed the “Old Weird America”.  “Open Hearted” is a lover’s lament, but it remains triumphant throughout.

The band’s earlier full length is available on their Bandcamp as a “Pay What You Wish” deal, and the four-song EP is out now. I highly recommend you grab both.