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The Holy Goats
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Review from: Skratch Magazine, NYC
Reviewer: Mike SOS
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If you close your eyes and listen to The Holy Goats eponymous release really close, you'd swear The Black Crowes were reunited. Alas, this is not the case, but what is true is that this New Jersey-based quintet brings back that hard driving blues-rock sound in a big way. The 12-tracks that adorn this disc boast thick slabs of smoky, rootsy romp and stomp rock `n' roll, as tracks like "Satisfied" and "Clear" are bursting with tasty guitar licks, rollicking bass lines, and throaty vocals. Encompassing retro rock to the hilt, The Holy Goats bring the bell-bottom blues of Humble Pie and The Faces back to the forefront.
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go to the site . . .
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The Holy Goats (c 2002 Holy Goats)
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Review from: NY ROCK / STREET BEAT
Reviewer: Bill Ribas
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The first number, "On Your Knees," begins with that funky, oft-played sharp ninth chord, which immediately brings to mind Hendrix. Following that is "Presence of Mind," which has a smoky, slinky groove to it, and might have you thinking of the Black Crowes and the familiarity of '70s rock, a mix of acid rock, southern rock, Texas blues hits home. This is rock and roll that sticks with you for a long time. The feel of the music is deep in the heart of the seventies, when the country was reeling after a long war, drugs began to go mainstream, and the musicians said, let's rock. On the dozen songs here, you'll do just that. www.theholygoats.com.
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go to the site . . .
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Power Plays
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Review from: Power Play Magazine-UK
Reviewer: Steve Swift
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The Fist time I heard this album, I thought it had a real sence of cool. The American quartet have produced a blues rock debut with just enough country influences to keep it this side of Nashville and have forged them into a strong set of songs, over which those who aspire to be the Blackest of Crowes would cast an envious eye. "On Your Knees" has a sass and good infectious riff, and the harder-edged "Nothing To Lose" showcases Todd McCullough's whiskey-soaked vocals well.
Solid retro songs, well played.
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The Holy Goats
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Review from: Rock Express Magazine
Reviewer: Branimir Lokner
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The Holy Goats
The debut album of the American band, The Holy Goats, surely represents one of the most pleasant surprises when talking about a band's first release. The basic style of this band is rock with roots in the 70's, in the tradition of bands like Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie, Bad Company, the Faces, the Rolling Stones, etc. In the 90's, fellow Americans, The Black Crowes, had a similar style and philosophy, and many comparisons could be drawn here.
The Holy Goats have a natural, direct and assured way with their material, which is based in rock and blues, with slight soul variations. Out of twelve songs presented here, only one is not their own song, but a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Stray Cat Blues." Vocalist Todd McCullough, the band's leader and songwriter, is influenced by icons of the 70's, and while listening to this album, you can picture yourself transported back in time. This retro attitude has an improved, modern production, and not for one moment could it be said that the band's music is passé.
The Holy Goats are band with big possibilities and respectable quality. Their album has consistant material, and there is not a weak moment. The Holy Goats are a band to be reckoned with in the future.
Rock Crtic, Branimir Lokner
Rock Express Magazine,
Serbia, Yugoslavia
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Black Crowes? Nahh - HOLY GOATS!!!
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Review from: Radionotte
Reviewer: Claudio Tosatto
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Browsing in their present page on CD Baby, the most important point of reference for the independent musicians Americans and not and small labels, was present also an of the very enthusiastic review to foot of page that had the title that I took in loan wanting to anticipate the same, and all those who are reading this review from the attitude of to compare the Holy Goats with all of the groups In mind.
Surely it is very easy that you bump equally into this easy mistake you just will not have listened to the intro of "On Your Knees", piece from the rhythm funky-southern -rock that catapults the band in the '70 thanks the riff vintage created from the Telecaster of Todd McCullogh (voice, guitar and harmonica) and Deek Mason (lead guitar) and supported from the excellent rhythmic section of Steve Crawley.
The sound of the band is except for "framed" of the expected and besides the sound rock you draft Black Crowes , Humble Pie and Bad Company, there are episodes a lot more blues than restore to Allman Brothers Band both Gov and t Mule like the attractive one "If THE Could Speak My Mind", "Presence Of Mind"," Rock n' Roll Thru My Head".
The references of the band are infinite and begins almost a game of mirrors that returns to the Aerosmith and to the armonica of Steven Tyler in "Samos Old Line", while "Clear" and "Keep It Rollin" seem chosen from the repertory of the Lynyrd Skynyrd.
But it there is not rock in the music alone of the The Holy Goats but also a touch of psichedelia to the Greatful Dead in or the "Still Missing You" and of country and rockabilly in "See The Light". How not to cite finally the attractive cover of the Stones "Stray Cat Blues" eseguità with a touch of personality that gives back it even more blues of the original one.
See how it see is impossible not to cite all of the groups that come yourselves in mind listening to this cd but the thing more mattering is that the Holy Goats limit to themselves the inspiration creating pieces itself strong impact and of immediate place for music to the sign of the long journeys and of the American Highway of the deep south of the USA.
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Quick Cuts
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Review from: THE AQUARIAN / NJ Newsbeat
Reviewer: Al Muzer
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12 Shades of Humble Pie, Foghat, Bad Company, Grand Funk, Robin Trower, Savoy Brown, the 'Stones (the 'Goats do a nice job on "Stray Cat Blues"), color the hard-rockin', funk-fortified, boogie-blues delivery of guitarist/vocalist/bandleader and Chris Robinson-esque (Black Crowes) frontman Todd McCullough. Raunch rawk riffs, gut bucket vocals, great stage command, solid songwriting, soaring leads, a super tight low end make this a kegger band of your dreams.
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The Holy Goats
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Review from: Demorama.com
Reviewer: Ted Power
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THE HOLY GOATS
The Holy Goats are from New Jersey, but after listening to their southern-fried, blues based, classic rock, you'd swear they were from the south. Their website says their sound is a blend of their influences the Stones, Black Crowes, Aerosmith, Humble Pie and Bad Company and they're not lying. The group features biting, solid guitar riffs and tightly constructed songs that maintain energy throughout. But you also hear shades of Skynyrd and the Allmann Brothers in the twang-tinged guitar riffs and the upbeat vocals of Todd McCullough (guitar, harmonica).
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THE HOLY GOATS - THE HOLY GOATS:
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Review from: Kweevak
Reviewer: Laura Turner Lynch
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Sacrifice The Rolling Stones, Humble Pie, Aerosmith, Bad Company and the Black Crowes into a blender and the zesty result will be The Holy Goats.
Yet, their sound is original and their fire and enthusiasm take the classic rock sound to the next level. This four-piece band from central New Jersey are committed musicians who play a great brand of power-rock blues. Their music is a mix of soulful vocals, powerful percussions, raw vigorous guitars and heavy bass lines that are part of their trademark sound.
The self-titled debut is a twelve-song collection of roots rock, lusty playing and raw forceful blues. Backing female vocals adds rich harmonies to Todd McCullough's soulful lead vocals.
The CD opens with 'On Your Knees' with its strong bass lines, funky groove, scorching guitars and deep moving vocals by singer/songwriter McCullough. This fluid song is followed by 'Presence of Mind' another heartfelt soundscape complete with impressive jams. 'Satisfied' is filled with smoldering dynamic guitar chords, high voltage beats, kick-ass keys and expressive vocals. 'Satisfied' is fulfilling and just one of many top-notch tracks. A smoldering bluesy cover of the 'Stray Cat Blues' follows it. The Holy Goats are a rock and roll revival filled with revelry and high-octane music!
Recommended Tracks: (1,2,7)
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Hail! The Holy Goats
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Review from: U.S. 1 News
Reviewer: by Richard Skelly
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Holy Goats! It's real music!
Fans of classic blues and blues-rock remain ever hopeful about a revival in popularity of the forms.
At least one central New Jersey group has been getting radio airplay on commercial classic rock formatted radio stations and found a niche with local college radio as well.
Listening to the Holy Goats' debut CD, the songs are about loves won and lost, to be sure a blues theme, but the music is also punctuated by high energy dueling guitar solos, energetic bursts of drums and throbbing bass, and great harmony singing. Every track on the album is a winner.
Their success is due to fans seeking a return to a more traditional blues-rock sound that hearkens back to the great blues-rock bands of the 1970s like Humble Pie, Foghat, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company and other Brits who brought the emotion and excitement of blues back to largely white American audiences in a modified format, often called blues-rock.
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Stateside Cuts, The Holy Goats
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Review from: Power Play Magazine, UK
Reviewer: Hal B. Selzer
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If your style leans toward southern rock, a New Jersey band is about to hit the UK that will suit your taste. "If you put The Holy Goats CD on, what you'll hear is rock and roll with a straight shot of blues. Raw, riffing guitars that will make you smell the tubes burning from the amps. Vocals that pour rock and soul into your ears and melt in your heart." That's how band visionary Todd McCullough describes the music of The Holy Goats, and it's an accurate description of one of the areas most in-your-face, straightforward guitar rock bands.
The group has been a mainstay in the New York, New Jersey music scene in recent years. Radio station WDHA has selected them for their "Homegrown Spotlight" showcase the last few years, and they have also featured by WZZO at the station's showcase at the Bethlehem Musikfest and at the Greater Allentown Fairs.
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GOAT-ROCKIN'-BLUES at the CLEARWATER FEST!
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Review from: AQUARIAN MAGAZINE and KWEEVAK's 'LIVE' Concert Review
Reviewer: Chris Barry
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GOAT-ROCKIN' BLUES AT CLEARWATER:
Which means it's that time again, to honor the environment that's given us so much life and joy, just by rocking out and having some fun! This Saturday, Aug. 20, join The Holy Goats (and a cast of thousands) as they take the stage at the annual Clearwater Festival in Asbury Park.
The Goats bring Their Black Crowes meets Led Zeppelin sound to the Main St. Stage at 2:00PM, followed by '60's rock legend Gary U.S. Bonds.
The Holy Goats won the Stone Pony Asbury Music Awards for the best rock and blues CD and are currently working on their second release, due out early next year and they will also be performing at WDHA's (105.5 FM) "Rock n Ride" Fest again at the Skylands Ball Park in Augusta , NJ.
KWEEVAK'S "LIVE" CLEARWATER CONCERT REVIEW::
After checking out the various displays and talking with interesting people, we settled in our chairs on the lawn to catch The Holy Goats at the main stage. Right from the first note The Goats were smoking with dueling guitars, distinct heavy rhythms and discernable percussion. The Holy Goats have one powerful male vocalist and a female singer. They have a strong stage presence and are first-rate musicians. The Holy Goats played an energized set of songs from their debut album and forthcoming new CD that is due out in 2008.
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THE HOLY GOATS - LUST AND REVELRY
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Review from: The Aquarian Weekly
Reviewer: Hal B. Selzer
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If you put the Holy Goats CD on, what you'll hear is rock and roll with a straight shot of blues. Raw riffing guitars that will make you smell the tubes burning from the amps. Vocals that pour rock and soul into your ears and melt in your heart.
It's an accurate description of one of the area's most in-your-face, straightforward guitar rock bands.
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A Holy Goats Groove
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Review from: NJ Newsbeat, The Aquarian Weekly
Reviewer: Al Muzer
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Review from: THE AQUARIAN/NJ Newsbeat
Reviewer: Al Muzer, NJ Newsbeat
A churning [quintet] of Humble Pie-influenced Black Crowes-friendly blues funk, The Holy Goats will play live in front of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
Consistently named among the top rock bands in the tri-state area, The Holy Goats were one of WDHA 105.5FM's four finalists two years in a row in the station's "Home Grown Spotlight" showcase. The Holy Goats have also been featured by WZZO 95.1FM, Allentown, PA during station showcases at the Bethlehem Musikfest and the Greater Allentown Fair.
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WDHA Battle of The Bands Finals-Double D's
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Review from: Aquarian Weekly
Reviewer: Mike 'Zute' Pizzuta
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PUTTING UP THEIR ROCK-N-ROLL DUKES.
WDHA Battle of the Bands Finals- Double D's
Over 400 bands submitted CD's to WDHA for this contest. You could feel the vibe all nite as the final 4 of local rock were givin' it what they got. Broadcasting live and also judging was WDHA 105.5 FM DJ Matt Murray. Other judges included Ted Poley (singer from the now reunited Danger Danger), Maz (guitarist from 40ft Ringo), Metal Mike Chlasciak (guitarist from Halford), and DHA's overnight DJ, Jay Amabile. The judges recorded scores in four categories: Originality, Live Performance, Crowd Response, and Judge's Opinion.
The Holy Goats took the stage first. They are a very retro Southern and Blues rock band. Their music consists of those many attributes: heartfelt vocals with a lot of harmonies, classic fender guitar sound, lotsa pentatonic riffs, occasional walking bass lines, many shuffle beats, etc. They are reminiscent of The Black Crowes, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Allman Bros, Skynrd, etc. Their tunes that caught me most were "On Your Knees" and "Keep it Rollin." www.TheHolyGoats.com .
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Holy Blues Rock
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Review from: Aquarian
Reviewer: Chris Barry
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The Black Crowes to Zep sound of the blues-edged Holy Goats will headline WDHA-FM's concert at hte "Rock `n' Ride 2004 Fest" this Saturday, Aug. 21. The Rock `n' Ride fest is held at Waterloo Village Concert Field in Stanhope, NJ, from 12 p.m to 6 p.m. The Rock n Ride Fest is a free motorcycle show, with a vendor village featuring bike parts, accessories, memorabilia and more.
Festival-goers can also swill cold beer, eat some food and play games as well as enjoying Waterloo Village's attractions. WDHA's Rob Moorhead will host the live show, as 105.5FM this week celebrates 25 years as New Jersey's rock station.
WDHA selected The Holy Goats as one of the four finalists in the station's annual "Home Grown Spotlight" showcase of 2004. The Goats were also selected by WDHA in 2003 for the spotlight, and are consistently named among the top indie rock bands in the NY-NJ-PA metro area.
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The Holy Goats
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Review from: The Courier News
Reviewer: - Bob Makin
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A cross between Humble Pie, the Rolling Stones and Blue Cheer, the Holy Goats will appeal to fans of the sorely missed Black Crowes. As far as harmony, lyric writing and lead guitar playing go, they're better than the Crowes. This is particularly true on the standout tracks, `Nothing to Lose,' and the beautiful power ballad, `I'm Still Missing You'.
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GREAT YEAR FROM MUSIC
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Review from: Home News Tribune
Reviewer: Chris Jordan, On the Road
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Musical people from Central Jersey were very busy in 2002. Jaheim, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Midtown all released albums for major labels in the past year. . .
Unfortunately -- or fortunately, depending on your point of veiw -- most musicians aren't on a major label. Below is the ON THE GO 2002 TOP-10 picks from among local releases:
THE HOLY GOATS, "The Holy Goats" -- Real rawk with strong melodic lines and a smart, retro edge form this Somerset band.
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BOLTING FROM THE HERD
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Review from: The East Coast Rocker & Aquarian Weekly
Reviewer: Chris Barry
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The Somerset-spawned Holy Goats got it together in 1999 to play the edgy kind of roots-rock and roll they wanted to hear but couldn't find anywhere else on the local scene. Indeed, this band isn't peddling any "flavor of the moment" or riding musical bandwagon #9; but instead are fueled by power blues vocals that are just to edgy to be called "blues rock" and too purely song-oriented to be lamely tagged as a "jam band".
All the Goats' songs are written by lead singer Todd McCullough, who also plays rhythm guitar, blues harp and a few well-chosen leads. Deek Mason plays lead guitar and backing vocals, with Steve Crawley on drums, while vocal harmonies and bass come from Michelle Eckert.
The band recently released their first self titled 12-song CD on the Goats' Frontal Groovity Records and most tunes on the disc clock in at a radio-friendly three or four minutes. Halfway through, I was singing along to the crunching bluesfunk lowdown of "If I Could Speak My Mind," while the Allmans meet Uncle Tupelo tang of "Keep It Rollin"' got things jumping with the singer's rousing "life goes on" credo backed by a hooky "Keep It Rollin'" chorus.
And you know you've got the blues when you ain't got "Nothing To Lose," a pick cut that puts classic generic blues riffing into a coolly primed pop tune. A snug fit. But I became a true convert to the Goats' catechism with the band's cover of the Stones' old "Stray Cat Blues," a bolder, more boogie-spined effort that adds a whole new riffing subtext to the Jagger-snarled ode to jailbait groupies.
The pure dynamics of frontman Todd's vocals shine on the downbeat uplift of the conga/acoustic drifting "I'm Still Missing You." Overall, the guitars also shine throughout the vocal mix, yet I felt there were a few points where the guitars could've been mixed a little crisper. Regardless, this is an impressive first effort, and shows off the craft and talent of a seriously focused band who didn't run into the studio the first time they felt a kinetic riff together.
Track #5, " Nothing To Lose" was chosen to appear on WNTI's forthcoming annual compilation, while "On Your Knees" placed highly on WZZO's Backyard Bands Contest. The Holy Goats CD is also getting airplay on WRSU 88.7, New Brunswick and WSBG-FM in Stoudsburg, PA as well as WNTI and WNNJ in Newton.
The Goats actually charted at Number One on both WRSU and WNTI and this past July
The Smithereens' Pat Dinizio invited these Holy Goats to perform as feature artists on his XM Satellite radio show.
The Bands name also has a tie-in with the mythical god Pan. Symbolized as the cosmic party animal, horny old goat musician, old Pan's the logical trademark for these Holy Goats. Though the band traded the panpipes for a harmonica, The Holy Goats have hung onto his lust and revelry, because, i.e., Goat Life Is Good Life.
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