Saratogian’s Band Releases Distinctive Debut Album
Photo of Jaymes Hendricks, bass player and founding member of Goldtooth, provided by the band. “Hurt Feelings” album cover also provided by Goldtooth.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Goldtooth, a versatile band that traverses at least a handful of genres, releases its debut album “Hurt Feelings” on Friday, May 1.
Founding member and bassist/vocalist Jaymes Hendricks (aka Jimmy Hendricks) hails from none other than the Spa City.
“Hurt Feelings,” which Saratoga TODAY spun (or, technically clicked) for an early listen, veers into different directions sonically, allowing for more than a few surprises. The lead track, the cheekily named “Riffer Madness,” is catchy, angsty, and punk-ish. The second tune, “Bringing Her Down,” introduces an alt-country sound (there’s a reference to a pickup truck in the opening seconds).
“Gold Rush” is pop-punk and “Foolin’ You” takes an unexpectedly bluesy turn before things chill out with the acoustic-driven country ballad “Rodeo.” The album enters pop-country territory with “Emily” (which also sounds a bit reminiscent of the band Staind) before wrapping up with what could be described as a country-emo track, “All I Ever Wanted.”
No one can accuse “Hurt Feelings” of being ordinary (or boring).
Goldtooth, which labels itself as an alt-country/garage rock project, was built around Hendricks and guitarist/vocalist Jon Braught, who described his group’s debut album as “a big rock record with big guitars and singable songs, featuring collaborators from across New York and New England.” The album notes also describe “Hurt Feelings” as “party rock with a hangover of real-life melancholy.”
In addition to Hendricks and Braught, the band includes guitarist/vocalist Paul Martinez and drummer Dave Maclean.
“For the members of Goldtooth, ‘Hurt Feelings’ is the culmination of 20-plus years spent chasing songs, loading vans, and learning how much life can get in the way of a rock band—and why it is still worth fighting for,” the group said in a press release.
Goldtooth began as a long-distance project between Hendricks and Braught, who met as teenagers playing in New England. Their relationship survived Hendricks’ move to Saratoga Springs.
“Over three years of file swaps, rehearsals, and carefully planned sessions, eleven songs emerged that sounded like the record they’d always talked about making,” said the band. “Across the track list, you can hear four veterans of countless clubs and DIY rooms finally taking the time to get the songs right, despite careers, kids, and the geographic spread that makes every rehearsal a logistics puzzle.”
To celebrate the release of their debut album, Goldtooth is planning a series of performances across the Northeast. On May 2, they’ll take the stage at Harlow’s Pub in New Hampshire. For additional show announcements, fans can follow the band’s Instagram, @goldtoothstagram.