The Go Howl On The Haunted Beat You Ride Review

Home to the sound of Motown, Eminem and The White Stripes – Detroit’s knack for producing great music uncannily precedes it. The Motor City has again come up trumps with another musical force in the shape of four-piece rockers The Go, fronted by Bobby Harlow – a gifted singer-songwriter who is the chief architect of their sublime fifth album Howl On The Haunted Beat You Ride.

The Go’s concoction of psychedelic rock, infused by guitar and piano arrangements and upbeat vocal harmonies has given birth to an album that could be a lost 1960’s masterpiece catapulted into the heartbeat of 2007– thanks to the countless influences evident throughout such as The Kinks, John Lennon and Lou Reed.

The imaginatively titled “Yer Stoned Italian Cowboy” lives up to its name; the country flavour made tastier with guitar riffs that smack of Neil Young’s Buffalo Springfield days. “Down a Spiral” is a pop triumph with its Beatles-esque melodies whilst the juxtaposition of “Mercurial Girl” provides an insight into how Lennon’s solo efforts also influence them.

“She’s Prettiest When She Cries”, is a tender haunting
ballad about a lost love that showcases the versatility of Harlow’s songwriting prowess and emerges as the most mature song on offer.

Whilst The Go’s influences are integral to Howl On The Haunted Beat You Ride’s appeal, what makes it such a magical proposition, is that they have sprinkled the songs with their individual style and originality. One could say that their commercial appeal is weaker than that of their Detroit counterparts The White Stripes, but who cares? They may just have created an ageless classic.