This one presents a personal dilemma.

On one hand, I can’t get enough Stoner Rock. It’s great. And OBLIVIOUS play a very rough and catchy brand of 70’s style southern drawl Rock (direct from Sweden, mind you) that will certainly do the trick if stuck in a jam.

On the other, these guys don’t know when to end a song. It’s a straight-up fact that bands that smoke a lot of reefer or experiment with other hallucinogenic drugs tend to jam out. But like I already mentioned, getting stuck in a jam can be pretty sucky.

Truth be told, however, is that OBLIVIOUS' "Goons And Masters" is a rollicking album. It’s alive with the spirit of Hard Rock, groove, and soulful vocals administered by lead singer, Isak.

It should be noted that Isak can belt. The guy has pipes. And whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, I kept on hearing his voice as the star-crossed love-child of Scott Stapp and Scott Weiland.

"Goons And Masters" is a cool and bluesy album to put on if you’re smoking the good stuff with a few beers around a lake campfire, but for most other intents and purposes, I’m not really sure when I’d opt throw it in the ole rotation.

The album isn’t exactly heavy, nor is it innovative. The bulk of the riffs are pretty generic. I mean, if you’ve listened to Metal or any form or Rock before, chances are that you’ve heard the intro to "Red Eyed Goon" either a few dozen or a million times.

Things are predictable here. Things are pretty one-dimensional. And things, for the most part, drag on a little too long. So if that holy trinity of music turns you off, then by all means, consider "Goons And Masters" a dust-covered, hitch-hiking hippy, and pass his ass by without a second thought.

But if you’re interest is piqued by stoner rock with a solid groove and demonstrative vocals, sit back, light up, and enjoy. I mean, that’s a damn good tandem that’s harbored more than a fair share of awesome fucking bands (BLACK SABBATH, CLUTCH, COZER, GRAND MAGUS, BIGELF, KYUSS, LED ZEPPELIN).

The bitches of the bunch include 'Master Of Time," "Throne," "Bide Your Time," and the album’s best, "Dead End Night."

(Online September 27, 2010)