Simon RushworthGoblin Rebirth – Goblin Rebirth (Relapse)
Genre: Progressive Rock/Experimental
An incarnation of legendary Italian proggers/film score creators Goblin, this quintet certainly aren’t relying on past associations to sell records (even if that might help a bit).
Featuring original Goblin bassist Fabio Pignatelli and drummer Agostino Marangolo, Goblin Rebirth offer a startling journey through the proggy-verse on their debut: it’s creepy in places – as you would expect from an act whose members played on the Dawn Of The Dead soundtrack – and a little trippy in others (the gentle Forest a nice example).
And it’s also thoroughly engaging, with Rebirth in particular hitting the mark with its swirling keyboards and soaring leads, and Mysterium boasting some intriguing interplay between guitars and synths.
Goblin – and Goblin Rebirth – are destined to remain cult acts, but their music will resonate with anyone who enjoys exploring rock’s outer limits. Now someone make a film to go along with this gem of an album…Richard Holmes
RUSHONROCK RATED: 8/10 Creature Feature