After over a decade of making music, Chicago’s Go Time! proves they’re as dedicated and dynamic as ever with their tenth studio album, X. The band—Scott Niekelski (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Grzenia (drums, backing vocals), Paul Schmidt (guitar, backing vocals), and Mark Marketti (bass)—has built a reputation on sharp songwriting, powerful live performances, and an unshakable drive. X exemplifies these traits while revealing the band’s resilience through a challenging chapter of their history.
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Since their debut in 2009, Go Time! has become a fixture in Chicago’s music scene, known for their “no-frills, all-thrills” rock sound. With a catalog spanning ten albums, the band has continuously evolved while staying true to their core identity. X comes after a period of personal hardship for the group, including health struggles and loss. Instead of faltering, they channeled these experiences into their music, making X a testament to their perseverance and collaborative spirit.
The album highlights Go Time!’s greatest strengths: tight musicianship, an unapologetically rock-driven sound, and just enough experimentation to keep things fresh. Niekelski, the band’s primary songwriter and producer, once again delivers lyrics that are both personal and accessible, touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. His vocals bring just the right balance of grit and warmth, anchoring the band’s sound with authenticity.
Behind him, Grzenia’s drumming provides a steady heartbeat, driving the energy without overpowering the arrangements. Schmidt’s guitar work stands out with its versatility, blending melodic riffs and subtle textures. Meanwhile, Marketti’s bass adds depth, grounding the band’s sound while giving each song its own unique groove. Together, the four musicians create a dynamic chemistry that’s impossible to ignore.
While Go Time!’s earlier albums leaned more heavily on straight-ahead rock energy, X reveals a band willing to take creative risks. Playful touches, like unexpected percussion and experimental arrangements, pop up throughout the record, adding layers that longtime fans might not have seen coming. Yet, the album never strays too far from their roots, making it feel like a natural progression rather than a departure.
One of the most impressive aspects of X is its endurance across 17 tracks. It’s ambitious without feeling bloated—a testament to the band’s ability to craft songs that remain engaging from start to finish. While there are moments where the pacing feels a little uneven, the sheer variety of moods and textures ensures there’s something here for every type of listener.
Go Time! has always thrived on momentum, both in the studio and on stage. Their high-energy live performances have earned them a devoted following, and it’s easy to imagine these songs becoming fan favorites during upcoming shows. X doesn’t just reflect where Go Time! is today—it honors the journey they’ve taken to get here.
For a band with ten albums under their belt, X could have easily been a victory lap. Instead, it feels like a new beginning, brimming with creativity and determination. Go Time! continues to prove why they’ve lasted this long: they don’t just play rock music—they live it.
Chadwick Easton