Freedom's Goblin
Freedom's Goblin quickly makes clear how many directions Ty Segall wants to explore. "Fanny Dog" places a heavy guitar riff beside horns and lively piano. The sound is large, but the parts do not obstruct each other. The guitar no longer has to fill every space. That gives this double album an openness which suits its many different styles.
His version of Hot Chocolate's "Every 1's a Winner" shows how much pleasure he can find in a heavy funk rhythm. The song keeps its danceable movement even as the guitar becomes rougher. "My Lady's On Fire" then chooses a sunnier folk-rock sound. The change works because both songs have clear melodies. They have shapes of their own rather than feeling like brief exercises in style.
The harder extremes have a place too. "Meaning" uses Denée's fierce singing to raise the pressure. The gentler "Cry Cry Cry" gives the record breathing room afterwards. This movement between force and softness matters. It makes the larger amount of music easier to follow and reveals how strong Segall's songwriting has become. Even when the sounds change, there is usually a melody to hold onto.
With nineteen songs and roughly 75 minutes of music, the record requires time. Everything need not become clear at once, and the extended guitar ending of "And, Goodnight" is a substantial final step. Yet the broad scope mostly feels like an opportunity the band uses well. Carefully balanced instruments and clearly formed songs hold the many ideas together. Freedom's Goblin gives Segall plenty of room and finds a convincing whole within that freedom.
