The GOA Express - “Portrait”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…The DMAs, Oasis, The Courteeners

Hallmarks of UK rock and roll these past couple of decades include big-stage hooks, working-class songwriting, and alt-rock instrumentation, all coming together to weave anthems that are equally catchy and expressive. Add The GOA Express to the list of first-class representers of the genre, a quintet from Manchester that sounds unexpectedly tight and experienced with only a handful of singles to their name. Releasing roughly a song a year, The GOA Express are certainly efficient and it’s hard to argue the strategy. Each of their singles have the air of a marquee single, from the punk urging of 2019’s “The Day” to just-released “Portrait”, a driving garage pop track that’s affirming in a way that is borderline emo rock. (Kevin McStravick)