It’s pretty rare that I see a press kit that references the Bay Area pop-punk legends The Mr. T Experience, but when I do, I pay very close attention, as I probably own more records by Dr. Frank and company than most punk enthusiasts.

The Goods, who are spearheaded by the singer-songwriter Rob Good, reside in Oakland, and certainly bring a sound that wouldn’t be out of place on the Lookout Records roster circa 1991, while also embracing British Invasion and power-pop moments across this quick debut.

“David Jones Is Dead” gets the quick listen off to a lively start, where Good’s harmonic vocals and a swirling, jangly climate that definitely carries a retro feel welcomes a sing-along appeal.

The middle track, “Dear Angeline,” radiates summery melodies, as the singing brings to mind Mac from Superchunk, and Paul Wiseman's fluid and rhythmic drumming is quite stunning.

At the end, the harder hitting “I’m Not The Only One” also carries calmer, dreamy moments of bright hooks and timeless power pop that we could always use more of, and it sure does shine a light on Cherron Arens’ first-rate bass playing.

The digital release comes with an additional track (“Hear Me,” a superbly melodic bit of punchy and dreamy rock) but the catchy artwork helps make the 7” a very appealing physical purchase.

A truly incredible first effort and the first of, hopefully, many to come, I was reminded of Teenage Fanclub, Matthew Sweet, Exploding Hearts and, you got it, The Mr. T Experience, when spending plenty of time with this EP.

Rating: A

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