The Governors – Got Better Plans EP [Review]

In the style of a well-practiced, drunkenly-belted tune by the crew of an 18th century frigate, The Governors‘ “Got Better Plans” EP survives in a genre littered with failure.

Each song in the 5-track short program is catchy, carries the unmistakable tinge of sincerity and is ably performed. But the opening track “Check Thyself Before You Wreck Thyself” best represents their vision: Well thought-out campfire songs with a keen eye for old world aesthetics melded into spontaneous outbursts of modern rock magic.

Still, the production of the vocals is a frequent annoyance. After all, I have never seen a concert in a small cavern – so if that’s what The Governors are going for, it’s too distracting. And if it’s not what they’re going for, their work is too good for that sort of simply mistake in a sound booth.

But you’re more likely to remember some mesmerizing guitar and harmonica work. The Governors aren’t afraid of silence, and they know how to walk the thin line between monotony and progression, offering plenty of inspiration to learn these songs and belt them out in one of the many skeezy establishments we all adore.

The Got Better Plans EP is not quite ready for air, but worth it for any dedicated music fan who wants to help The Governors build a aircraft. If they were more confident that their voices could carry themselves, this EP might be a classic, but it’s certainly worth a listen, if only to keep track of their progress. I know we will.

The Governors Got Better Plans EP by The Governors

p.s.
The Governors reunion show is on Friday, April 23rd, 2010 at Spike Hill, 184 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.