The Godfathers Return

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 17, 2011 5:20PM

Even if you've never heard of The Godfathers, you've heard them. They're most famous in the U.S. for their minor hit "Birth, School, Work, Death," a workmanlike driving slab of rock that encapsulated the band's strengths at combining hooks with acidic drive. If the quartet wasn't from the U.K. the would have definitely been described by many a rock scribe as a perfect example of midwestern brawny rock and/or roll. And there is something very industrial -- as in factory work ethic and not eyeliner and lace -- in the band's body of work.

The Godfathers defy easy compartmentalization. While many of their songs are pile drivers, they also aren't afraid to allow the edges to blur into slightly woozy psychedelic exploits, as on "When Am I Coming Down." And the band's catalog has aged well; unsurprising given the solid underpinnings creating strong sonic girders under each song. The band's appearance at Double Door this Sunday -- rescheduled after visa issues delayed the start of this tour -- shouldn't disappoint, though we expect a bit of the ferocity might have diminished over the years. Then again, we've seen young punks recently schooled by the likes of Mission Of Burma and Dinosaur Jr so just because a band's getting on in years doesn't necessarily mean they need to show their age.

And, in case you don't believe us when we say you've heard The Godfathers even if you haven't heard of them, may we present exhibit A, their video for "Birth, School, Work, Death?"

The Godfathers play Sunday, February 20, at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, 6:30 p.m., $18, 21+