Alright, let’s dive into C V L T S Goodwillies, the self-titled debut album by this mysterious US-based project. Released in 2011 under Solid Melts, it's one of those records that feels like stumbling across a hidden corner of an old thrift store—unexpected, kinda weird, but totally worth your time. The genre? Electronic. The vibe? Experimental as heck. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into music that makes you go “huh?” and then five minutes later “wait, this is actually amazing,” you’re gonna dig it.
The album kicks off with “Land Of Smiles Brand Cigarettes.” Honestly, how can you not love a title like that? This track starts off all hazy and dreamlike, like walking through fog at dawn—or maybe after way too much coffee. There’s this low hum that builds up slowly, almost hypnotic, and then BAM, these sharp synths cut in like someone flipping on neon lights. It feels both alien and familiar, which sounds cheesy, but trust me, it works. I remember this one because it’s got this strange tension to it, like you’re waiting for something big to happen, and even though it never really does, you don’t mind hanging out in that suspenseful space.
Another standout is “Cholo Ghost In The Grapefruit Tree.” Yeah, yeah, the name alone deserves an award for creativity. Musically, it’s got this eerie, echoey loop running through it, like someone whispering secrets from another dimension. Then there are these glitchy bits scattered around, like static on an old TV screen. For some reason, it reminds me of late-night drives where you’re zoning out, half-listening to random radio stations fading in and out. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to laugh or check over my shoulder for ghosts. Maybe both?
Other tracks like “No Ghost” and “Hydrothermal” keep things interesting, but they blend together a bit compared to the standouts. Still, the whole album has this cohesive feel, like each song is part of some bigger, stranger puzzle. You won’t find any bangers here, but honestly, that’s kind of refreshing. Sometimes music doesn’t need to hit hard—it just needs to make you think (or zone out).
So yeah, C V L T S Goodwillies isn’t gonna be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for polished pop hooks or dancefloor anthems, this ain’t it. But if you’re into experimental electronic stuff that feels more like art than entertainment, give it a shot. Plus, who wouldn’t want to tell their friends about a band called C V L T S Goodwillies? Feels like saying it three times fast might summon something… or someone.
Reflection time: Listening to this album made me realize how much we box music into categories. Is this chill? Is it spooky? Is it just plain odd? Who cares! Maybe that’s the point. Also, grapefruits are underrated. Just saying.
