Good Fiction’s Call me (By Name) EP Review

Albany-based “bombastic rock band” Good Fiction has been grinding since 2014. 

They released an EP at the end of 2015, entitled Call Me (By Name), but took the next couple years to finish college, work through lineup changes and refine their skills.

Over two years later and it has all culminated. 

At the end of March, Good Fiction released their second EP “And the Walls,” highlighted by singles “Like I’m Your Man (For Real)” and “Bleeding, Burning,” which were put out in the months leading to the release. 

“Like I’m Your Man (For Real)” kicks off the EP off with vocalist Patrick Grace’s explosive voice working in true harmony with melodic instrumentals behind him. 

Some of the band’s influences, Death From Above 1979 and The White Stripes, shine through early on the first track. 

The garage-y yet rhythmic tune is a perfect start to the album and segues seamlessly into “Bleeding, Burning,” which may very well become the song that propels the band into relevance.

The song effectively mixes Black Keys-esque vocals and combines instrumentals similar to that of ‘80s metal such as Iron Maiden as well contemporary indie artists.

The next song on the EP, “Just My Kind,” is a bit more jammy which works well. The vocals on this track use reverb to their favor to make Grace’s voice charmingly atmospheric.

This song is where Good Fiction really presents a lot of their own, unique sound. On a full album, I would like to see them have more songs like “Just My Kind.”

“Empty Promises” is the fourth track on the record, and is a song that would be straight out of an indie game such as Life is Strange.

I mean this in the best way possible. Max Caulfield, the protagonist of Life is Strange, has a playlist lined up of terrific indie bands such as Local Natives, alt-J, Jose Gonzalez and Mud Flow. 

“Empty Promises” is an ethereal hit and is one I can imagine myself driving to late at night, on a long foggy road, while contemplating my existence. 

It also reminds me of a song that would fit perfectly in a film where the main character just had to walk away from the love of his life. 

The EP concludes with “Moment, Lust, Kiss, Cuss,” which has the catchiest guitar riff, courtesy of Alex Wollyung, whose presence is felt throughout the release.

Good Fiction has blossomed into a strong indie rock band that is sure to gain a following sooner rather than later. 

If their full release is anything like the EP, we are in for a treat.