Goya “Kathmandu” [EP] [Album Review]

Right away there is something that needs to be addressed with respect to the band’s name. In this current age and time, while it is understandable that you have a desired band name, it is always worth a quick Google, just to see if there is another three piece band who have the same name as you. It may be especially important if that band is a respected and widely established stoner metal band whose third full-length in five years made waves through the stoner and metal scenes respectively.

With that said, UK’s GOYA seem to be enjoying some of their own waves generated by their debut EP. With only four tracks, the release still clocks in at over thirty minutes long, a trademark of post-rock to be sure. One would expect that the recording and mastering process would be first and foremost in the minds of the three musicians, keen to join the ranks of touring post rock outfits in the UK. What is underwhelming in our eyes is the clear lack of production and deliberation that went into Kathmandu.

The single on the album “Venenatus” is meandering, and loses steam part way through. The rhythm section would most benefit from more care and mastering. Overall the band sound like they just recorded their third jam session in a basement. While it is a disappointing release, there is hope yet for the UK’s GOYA: the eponymously titled EP closer demonstrates a band that does have chops, and if they would invest more energy into fine tuning their craft and their production, I have no doubt they will be tearing up stages across Europe in no time.

Kathmandu Track Listing:

01. Collider
02. Venenatus
03. Ashoka
04. Kathmandu

Run Time: 31:57
Release Date: December 8, 2017

Check out the post-rock trio’s voracious new “Venenatus” video.