“Dad, what were you like in the 90s?” asks the popular social media viral trend. For starters, this writer was listening to Goldfinger’s 1996 self-titled debut in his room as part of an introduction to the ska/punk genre. On Friday night at Houston’s House of Blues, Goldfinger made its long awaited return to the stage in Texas and made many 16-year olds in the 1990s very happy.
It wasn’t just a night of nostalgia even though fellow vets 90s alt-rock/ skate punk act Unwritten Law were perfectly paired as tour support. Goldfinger is touring off the release of its latest album “Nine Lives,” which also includes high-profile festival slots like SummerFest, and front man John Feldmann consistently remains in relevant discussions as one of rock and pop’s biggest producers. The band always brings the summer vibes with its blend of Warped Tour ready pop-punk, and third wave ska style that originated from the islands.
This current lineup of Goldfinger is arguably its best yet, bolstered by the addition on bass of Mike Herrera from the legendary MxPx. Songs like “Wallflower,” “Get Up”, and its cover of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” showed how tight and fun Goldfinger’s set still is.
Openers Zebrahead and Sullvn helped make this night a great start to spring.
By MIKE DAMANTE
If you are a fan of pop-punk, Mike Damante’s latest book “Hey Suburbia: A guide to the emo/pop-punk rise” is out now, and features interviews with Descendents, Alkaline Trio, blink-182, New Found Glory and others.