REVIEWS

Backstage Pass, Chicago, November 1997 review, entire text:

Thought provoking lyrics... crunching guitars... creativity... intensity... The Good. Their latest release, Milky White (Whitehouse Records), is one of this year's more remarkable CD's and definitely creates a connection with the listener. Their lyrics and fervid guitar riffs make this CD special. Add The Good's creative background vocals with tight, full sounding production and this CD soars.

Rather than rely on songs about love or pitiful anger, the band creatively asks socially important questions without taking sides. Quite often, their tunes change the questions and take sharp turns just as you think you know a number's message. Consequently, you will find yourself reading the lyrics and examining your own beliefs. "That's what we're trying to do. People have said some profound and moving things on how the music's affected them," says songwriter/singer Devin Arkin. He adds, "It's gratifying so many people care."

The band plans to continue writing about serious issues, but wants to avoid comparisons with groups like Rage Against The Machine. "We're not about that at all. We have no political agenda," states lyricist/vocalist Tony Rogers. Arkin adds, "We're not politically active. We just like to write about current events."

Although The Good appeal to the alternative music crowd, alternative is a label the band wants to stay away from. "We were musically influenced by groups like The Who, Queen, and Pink Floyd. They kind of walked the line between intelligent pop and grandiose rock-n-roll. We're trying to combine the best of both worlds: Really sharp lyrics and grandiose pop," states Rogers. He adds, "Although I guess pop can be a dangerous word, our music's definitely pop and less grunge."

Excellent production and jam-packed energy enhances Milky White's potency. The band credits producer Chris Shepard (Liz Phair, Wilco, Smashing Pumpkins, KMFDM) with some of the CD's production and offering ideas, but a lot of what you hear was decided by the band before hooking up with Shepard. "Before we even went into the studio, most of the ideas, background vocals and counter melodies were stuff we decided upon before going into the studio. It was a goal of ours to get these on the record," says Rogers.

Arkin adds, "Some records sound full because they use voices as instruments and beyond just singing and the melody. Throwing in some oohs and aahs fill out the sound in a way the listener may not be aware of because it's not intended to be in your face. But it creates a nice bed for everything that's supposed to be in your face. It can better help define a song."

Rogers adds, "Paul McCartney used to use a lot of different melodies during the same chord structure. That's something I've always tried to do as well. It can add so much interest to a song."

The Good are receiving radio airplay and have been written about all over the Midwest. The group continues to tour the Midwest developing a business relationship with many club owners and creating a larger fan base. If you have the chance to see them in an intimate club setting, seize the opportunity. One day they could easily be the next big thing.