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Los Angeles based grunge-gaze four-piece Goon is the project of guitarist, singer, and painter Kenny Becker. While they’ve been releasing music since early 2016, a medical condition that causes Becker to lose his senses of smell and hearing for long chunks of time put the release of their debut record on hold. With a sound reminiscent of acts like Pixies and Boards of Canada with a modern twist, “Check Engine Light” is a highlight from their overwhelmingly strong debut, Heaven is Humming.
Once an underground L.A. favorite, with the release of their 2017 EP Happy Omen, the buzz-worthy band was signed to Partisan Records elevating them from a local favorite to artist on the rise. On “Check Engine Light” Goon’s post-grunge aesthetic takes center stage with grumbling bass and hazy vocals that are both hypnotic and punchy evoking a combination of 90s garage rockers Pavement, the emotive songwriting of Elliot Smith and a dash of California psychedelia. While their debut album has been three years in the making, the end result is something well worth a listen.
–Claire Hardwick, KUTX Intern
