- Taking Over is Joe Goddard's first solo release since 2011's superb "Gabriel." The collaborative spirit of that track remains here, with English singer/songwriter Mara Carlyle and German house veteran Boris Dlugosch making guest appearances. The only instrumental, "Bassline '12," is the standout, though, with Oni Ayhun-ish synths set against clicking percussion and a bubbling bassline over nine immersive minutes.
"Step Together" has a pleasant if by-the-numbers piano house backing, but suffers from Goddard's trite lyrics about family, togetherness and social networks. The vocal talents of Carlyle lift "She Burns," though at eight minutes it's around double the length it needs to be. "Taking Over" makes for a lovely closer, with Goddard laying sweet and sleepy vocals over soft synths and a plaintive guitar line. There's nothing here to touch "Gabriel," but it's solid release from someone with a lot of other irons—Hotchip, The 2 Bears—in the fire.
Tracklist A1 Joe Goddard & Boris Dlugosch - Step Together
A2 Joe Goddard - Bassline '12
B1 Joe Goddard Feat. Marla Carlyle - She Burns
B2 Joe Goddard - Taking Over