<p><span><span><em>- Gold Past Life</em> is the seventh studio album by the venerable folk-rock band, Fruit Bats. Lead by singer-songwriter <strong>Eric D. Johnson</strong>, Fruit Bats are the kind of band that gets better with age. No flash in the pan, their songwriting and sound has developed and progressed over the years. Devoid of any hit singles or cult albums, Fruit Bats have continued creating uncompromising music that never sacrifices quality for popularity. However, <em>Gold Past Life</em> is one of Johnson’s catchiest, most upbeat efforts. With eleven tracks and an amalgamated time of thirty-eight minutes, <em>Gold Past Life</em> is a fun album that is a joy from start to finish.</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>The album begins with heavy piano chords and soulful singing on opener, <em>The Bottom Of It</em> before getting into full swing. The upbeat nature of the songs is paired with hip hop influenced drumming and disco influenced keyboards, but at the core is Johnson’s rustic, acoustic guitar. Title track <em>Gold Past Life</em> begins with the chorus. It’s a catchy tune that makes you want to dance, with Johnson’s high-pitched vocals reminiscent of <strong>The Bee Gees</strong>. Elsewhere, the album is laden with catchy choruses which really galvanise his narrative lyrics, full of poetic imagery. This is the case for songs like <em>Cazadera</em> and <em>Lingering Love</em> also. The former of which is a shining highlight on the album. It eschews grandiosity, taking a less is more approach with great dynamic shifts. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span><em>Gold Past Life</em> stands as another welcome addition to Fruit Bats already stellar discography. Their first album since signing with Merge Records, it displays songs like <em>Ocean</em> which sounds like it could have been penned by the great <strong>Paul Simon</strong> or <em>Drawn Away</em> which sounds like a forgotten gem from the '70s. It illustrates their great musical acumen and highlights astute songwriting of a timeless quality; <em>Gold Past</em> Life is a testament to a band that has survived solely on their great music. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>- Jon Cloumassis.</span></span></p>
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