Sean O'Brien has amassed a wealth of experience in dozens of bands in the California area over the past 25 years, so it's only right that the man becomes the band and that's exactly what O'Brien has tried on Goodbye Game. Together with his group, the Dirty Hands, O'Brien has created an album that is altogether cleaner than their name would suggest.
To tell the truth, there's little to get excited about on "Take Your Pills" for songs should not be instructional and "Aftermath Fears" sounds like a Television demo interrupted by a massive organ but it does give the first real sign of the album's direction. "Get Over Tunis" sounds unlike anything on the album. Being an instrumental track, the band has clearly put total emphasis on the music and, as such, it stands as one of the most interesting tracks on the album.
More Television vibes are felt on "Home to Penelope" and, while O'Brien may not be on par with Tom Verlaine lyrics-wise, he has certainly learned from his influences. For good measure, there's even a sniff of country twang on "New Home Tonight". Variety is the core of this album - they are certainly not just another bog standard San Francisco rock band.
Whilst inconsistent, O'Brien's album - and this is his first with the Dirty Hands - is nonetheless a competent effort from a seasoned pro. Simply put, it's just not the album you'd expect given the group's name.