Golden Animals – Free Your Mind And Win A Pony

• 17th Aug 2008

“Free your mind and win a pony” is the imaginatively titled album by Brooklyn based duo, Golden Animals. Tommy Eisner on guitar and vocals, and Linda Beecroft on drums.

As with any duo like this, comparisons will be made with the White Stripes. Where the Golden Animals differ is that they manage to really evoke a return to the sound of the 60’s. The songs are beautifully arranged, with a nod to traditional blues forms, and the progressive rock of the Doors and Cream. The vocal soundings that draw comparison with Jim Morrison of the Doors, and Jack Bruce of Cream add to this 60’s vibe.

Some particular stand out tracks are “Follow me down”, which has a pre-war blues sounds running thought it. “Darkness & Light” draws comparisons with songs on Cream’s Disraeli Gears. “My friend Bill” is another blues track, with slide guitar and quirky lyrics.”My My My” will draw more direct comparisons at least musically with the White Stripes. The raw sound, rolling guitar progression, crashing cymbals and layered vocals all perfectly fit together.

It will be interesting to see how much of this sound can be recreated in live performances. Although a 60’s sound underlies this album, it is fresh, and different to many other White Stripes-esque offerings out there. If you like the progressive sounds of the Doors and Cream, and you have a gap in your collection that the White Stripes and Raconteurs haven’t quite filled, then give this one a listen.