GOBLYNS: Three Sisters [Album Review]

GOBLYNS
Three Sisters
Crazysane Records [2025]

“A hypnotic psych-funk journey where GOBLYNS find their voice and push their groove to bold new depths.”

Album Overview: GOBLYNS is the electric union of South African brothers Liam and Francis Broek and their longtime friend Giovanni Votano. Splitting their time between Berlin and Amsterdam, the trio formed around a shared urge to chase spontaneity—to tap back into the raw joy of improvisation and musical dialogue. Since their excellent 2023 EP This Is Spaghettification, and last year’s quick follow-up Hunki Bobo, GOBLYNS have carved out their own corner of the psych-funk universe. With Three Sisters, they level up—channeling bold grooves, colorful visuals, and, for the first time, a dash of vocals into their ever-evolving sound. This record manages to be tight yet exploratory, moving with intention while still sounding free. The title track, written first, sets the mood for a journey that’s deeply rhythmic and full of subtle surprises.

Musical Style: GOBLYNS blend circular guitar lines, pulsing bass, and steady-as-a-train rhythm work into a sound that’s funky without being flashy, psychedelic without wandering off track. Their instrumental framework pulls inspiration from all over: East African guitar stylings, vintage ’70s funk, dusty Zamrock grooves, and a dose of surf-rock shimmer. Add in some analog effects and a flair for dynamics, and you’ve got a record that feels both grounded and expansive—music that reveals more with every spin.

Evolution of Sound: Compared to their earlier releases, Three Sisters stretches out a bit more. The big shift here is the addition of vocals—used sparingly but effectively. Tracks like “No Words” and “With You” introduce melody and texture in a way that enhances the overall vibe rather than changing it completely. The band still thrives on interplay and groove, but there’s a new sense of atmosphere and emotion creeping in. It’s a natural progression, not a reinvention—but it hints at some exciting directions GOBLYNS could take next.

Artists with Similar Fire: If you dig the hypnotic pulse of CAN, the stripped-back cool of Khruangbin, or the pocket-tight funk of The Meters, GOBLYNS will feel like familiar territory. There are also shades of Kikagaku Moyo’s sprawling psych, Surprise Chef’s cinematic feel, and W.I.T.C.H.’s raw, fuzzy swagger baked into their sound.

Pivotal Tracks: The title track “Three Sisters” kicks things off with a steady groove and spacey aura—it’s a perfect table-setter for what’s to come. “Christof Waltz” slows the pace and plays like a forgotten film score, full of mood and mystery. “With You” introduces vocals for the first time, floating over a dreamy, psychedelic sway. But it’s “No Words” that lands the deepest—it closes the album with gentle vocals, flowing transitions, and a sense of closure that feels earned. Each of these songs highlights a different corner of the band’s expanding world.

Lyrical Strength: While GOBLYNS are still mostly an instrumental outfit, the sparse vocals on Three Sisters mark an intriguing shift. Rather than taking center stage, the lyrics on “No Words” and “With You” act like another instrument—adding emotional texture without distracting from the groove. It’s a subtle but effective move, hinting at a broader emotional palette the band might tap into more down the line.

Final Groove: Three Sisters isn’t just a step forward—it’s a statement. This is a confident, playful, and richly textured album that deepens GOBLYNS’ sound without losing their core identity. The careful addition of vocals adds a new emotional layer without disrupting their hypnotic groove, showing the band’s willingness to evolve without forcing it. It’s a psych-funk voyage with a clear destination, executed with both heart and precision. If this is the next chapter, vocals and all, we’re in for an even wilder ride ahead. Keep your ears open—GOBLYNS aren’t done exploring yet.

GOBLYNS REVIEW HISTORY
Hunki Bobo (2024)

GOBLYNS LINKS
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