ALBUM REVIEW: GOAT – Medicine

Rocket Recordings

Released: 13.10.23

The history of experimental Swedish fusion collective GOAT is most mysterious, winding its way back decades to Korpilombolo, near the Finnish border. Yet only eleven years after recording their debut, fifth album Medicine is ready to be administered.

Medicine marks an introspective return to the folk rock roots of the band, with the eerie sounds of flute piercing through lead-heavy guitar riffs on numerous tracks. Nevertheless, GOAT’s cosmopolitan instrumentation shines through brilliantly in moments, especially in the Indian-influenced TSOD, preceding the wah-wah-sodden rocker Vakna. Though featuring vocals throughout, Medicine is very much shepherded by its instrumental aspects. Marking the confluence of Dead Can Dance and Uncle Acid, GOAT’s new album is a musical adventure in which to lose oneself all too easily.