Chris Otepka (formerly of Troubled Hubble) may have recently moved to Washington, but he is still a Chicagoan at heart. In fact, most his new album, Goodness Gracious (Greyday Records), was recorded here last March just before Chris left. Chris spent his last Chicago winter around a wood stove with friends Michael Mergenthaler, David James, Steven Mitchell and Nick Lombardo, who played in local band Ulysses S. Grant. The result is a chilling collection of songs that are a full-band composite of many songs written and performed solo by Chris during the past two years of touring. Releasing at least one record per year since the first The Heligoats release in 1999, this album is not just another entry in the catalog. Opteka and the band have really crafted something unique and extremely enjoyable here.
Goodness Gracious was released today by Greyday Records, and The Heligoats will be playing at Schubas on March 2nd.