by Kevin Tiernan

Created on: July 02, 2009

When a group with members from the band Days Away comes together, you can already expect something spectacular. A fairly new act and the combined namesake of the members, Good(win), (Sch)war(tz), and (Arn)old, Good Old War showcases their efforts on "Only Way To Be Alone", the debut release.

Immediately, the listener is drawn into the disc with the ever-catchy "Coney Island", the band's hit single. From here, the CD continues to dish out breath-taking, sing-along tracks like "Weak Man (featuring Anthony Green)", "No Time", and "Tell Me". You don't have to be an avid lover of easy-listening, acoustic style music to enjoy this band. After hearing the chorus to Coney Island, you'll be singing all the way home from work.The War boys never worry about over complication. Everything is memorable, yet not too simple as to sound like the songs were written in an couple minutes. The same goes for Goodwin's lyrical contribution. His words are utterly reflective, while being stripped down, allowing for the crowd to sing every note.

"In dreams our love has been redrawn. It shoots up over me then the image is gone", sings Goodwin.

Musicianship is at an all time high down to the smallest detail. It's funny how much drums can add to a piece of music. While Goodwin's voices haunting lyrics, Tim Arnold doesn't miss a beat on the drums. Arnold's jazzy drumming style complements Dan Schwartz's melodic guitar harmonies.

"Only Way" leaves you with an indescribable feeling in your bones. The kind of feeling that can make you happy,sad, and joyous, all at the same time.Tracks like "Window" give us a fast paced tune, while "Stay By My Side (featuring Ali Wadsworth of Unlikely Cowboy and Claire Wadsworth)" slows us down and prompts us to get out the lighters, and sway back and forth. Get your voices warmed up, and have your friends nearby for "Maybe Mine".

When you close your eyes, the songs play out like a soundtrack to your life. Everybody will find something to relate to, while guitar players will have a blast picking up a capo, and strumming along with the album. This is acoustic flavored music at its best, and we can only hope for sophomore album. Good Old War are musicians that will never run out of ideas, and will continue to keep us on the edge of our seats. See this band while you can, because they will be huge in no time.

Perfect for fans of Anthony Green, Right Away Great Captain!, Maps and Atlases, and Days Away.

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