Mister Goblin - “Cardboard Box”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Ben Folds Five, Death Cab For Cutie, Two Inch Astronaut

Two Inch Astronaut frontman Sam Goblin moves away from the punk-pop roots of his former vehicle, settling into a catchy, mid-tempo melodic rock sound with his solo gig Mister Goblin. 90s influences run strong in Mister Goblin’s music throughout his sophomore record Four People in an Elevator And One of Them Is the Devil, grunge and alt-rock melodies out front, early emo-pop in introspective, chill-rock grounding. From pretty and melancholy to pained yearning, Mister Goblin shows range across his 2021 record while wearing his influences on his sleeves. Studied in the past, one modern touch is the bedroom-pop vibes that add a dreamy layer to much of the tracks on Four People, sanded down to not overwhelm in its emotional intentions. (Kevin McStravick)