With a string of records behind them, Chicago’s Go Time! have reached a point where making a clear artistic statement feels both natural and deserved. Their latest amazing release, 11, reflects that position, a deliberate, thoughtful collection shaped by more than fifteen years of steady evolution. The lineup with Scott Niekelski on vocals, guitar, keyboards, Steve Grzenia on drums, backing vocals, Paul Schmidt on guitar, backing vocals, and Mark Marketti on bass, has remained intact, and that continuity shows in the way the band operates. There’s a strong sense of chemistry here, the kind that comes from musicians who are comfortable with one another’s instincts.
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Since forming in 2009 within Chicago’s rock music scene, Go Time! have maintained a consistent presence, gradually refining their sound. 11 possesses a certain underlying emotional current influenced by personal challenges and loss experienced along the way. Rather than dominating the record, those elements seem to inform its tone in a more subtle way, lending depth without overwhelming the music itself.
11 swiftly opens with “Influencer,” a track that rapidly sets the pace. It’s direct and energetic, anchored by a melodic sensibility that keeps it engaging beyond its initial impact. That momentum continues into “Dead Before Dawn,” where tight interplay between guitar and rhythm section creates a lively, slightly restless feel. There are hints of both new wave and roots rock in its structure, though it doesn’t lean too heavily in either direction.
Throughout 11, there’s a noticeable appreciation for classic rock textures. The guitar work often emphasizes clarity and precision, while Niekelski’s vocal delivery leans toward narrative phrasing rather than sheer intensity. Songs like “Expectations Falling,” “What’s Stopping You,” and “Fragments of Yesterday” benefit from this approach, maintaining a reflective tone while still moving forward at a steady pace. “R D A” stands out for its balance, combining measured lyrics with a tension that gradually builds. In contrast, “Game of Extremes” introduces a heavier edge, with more forceful percussion and increasingly assertive guitar lines.
Midway through the 11 album, “Fear of Forgetting” offers a quieter moment. Its acoustic heavy arrangement brings the focus inward, touching on thoughts of memory and time with a restrained honesty. It’s somewhat exceeded by “Too Soon,” which reintroduces a fuller sound, using layered guitars to regain momentum without feeling abrupt.
Elsewhere, “Easy” explores reflection after conflict in a straightforward manner, while “Worthless Endeavor” brings a lighter, more relaxed feel, drawing on jangly guitar tones that echo earlier rock traditions. “Turn Off Your Mind” shifts toward a denser, more atmospheric sound, providing contrast to the more direct tracks. Both “Stabs You in the Back” and “In the Dark” showcase the band’s ability to manage great dynamics, allowing quieter moments to build naturally into something more substantial.
The grand finale track, “Always On High,” wraps things up with a sense of assurance rather than finality. Across its fifteen songs, 11 presents a band that continues to refine its identity, experienced but still engaged, reflective without losing focus, and committed to crafting music with Go Time! purpose.
Chadwick Easton