Something Like Sound

The 1990′s was an energetic time for music. As new wave began to loosen its grip on listeners, punk and ska bands dominated the scene. Classic punk bands, such as the Descendants, returned from hiatus, and groups, such as Catch 22 and Less Than Jake, started up as the third wave of ska was in full swing. Somewhere in the midst of all the circle pits and tattoos came Goldfinger. In 1994, Goldfinger began rocking the Los Angeles hardcore punk and ska scene. 1996 saw the band’s first release, a self-titled album that was well received and featured the hit single “Here In Your Bedroom.”

Since the mid-90′s, Goldfinger has released several albums, each one moving in a slightly different direction. 1997′s album Hang-Ups featured the song “Superman” which was later used as a background track for the video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Goldfinger’s ska-punk style continued with their 2000 release Stomping Ground, which featured “Counting The Days” and a rendition of “99 Red Balloons.” At this point, Goldfinger singer and songwriter John Feldman began using his strong political views as a platform for songs. 2002′s Open Your Eyes featured several thought provoking tracks, such as the title track “Open Your Eyes,” which challenged listeners to pay attention to truth and to “Wake UP! Wake UP!” Also featured on that album, a track called “FTN,” a blaring criticism of Ted Nugent.

By the time 2005′s album Disconnection Notice hit shelves, the band had experienced a few line up changes and had become more passionate about animal rights. The track “Behind The Mask” used audio clips from an animal cruelty speech given by PETA president and co-founder Ingrid Newkirk. The album also approached ska in a new way as songs like “Wasted” mixed traditional beats with mandolins and catchy pop-choruses.

Jump ahead three years, to the present day. Goldfinger will headline the 2008 E-Days festival, here at CSM. The concert will be one of the first venues for Goldfinger to play some of their new material from their upcoming album Hello Destiny, in stores April 22. Goldfinger guitarist Charlie Paulson, in a recent interview conducted with Black Velvet Magazine, had this to say about the new album, “I think it’s going to go back to more of our original sound.” The E-Days concert should be a good chance to break out the Chuck Taylors, mohawks, and rock out to a legitimate 90′s punk band.