Goldstein is an award-winning folk rock band hailing from South Australia.
Described as ostentatiously oz in sound, the acclaimed five-piece embraces the folk storytelling tradition but with a raw edge, dry wit and unashamed swagger.
Formed in 2006, Goldstein blurs the boundaries of roots, rock, punk and folk. The band’s highlights to date include festival appearances across Australia, national radio and tv airplay and media coverage:
- Port Fairy Folk Festival, Victoria
- National Folk Festival, Canberra (numerous appearances)
- Cygnet Folk Festival, Tasmania
- Kangaroo Island Surf Music Festival, South Australia
- Won Most Outstanding CD release at SA Folk Awards
- Semaphore Music Festival (numerous appearances)
- Fleurieu Folk Festival (numerous appearances)
- Wirrina Bluegrass Festival
- Radio Adelaide Live Music Fest
- Airplay on Triple J, Rage TV, ABC Radio and numerous other stations across Australia
- UnSung Folk project
- Raised more than $3500 through CD sales and live gigs for the Hutt St Centre charity to support people experiencing homelessness
- Single Considerate Driver voted by listeners as ABC 891 Radio’s Drive traffic theme
- Supported The Whitlams, The Beards
- Included on compilation recordings for National Folk Festival, Live Music Festival, Three D Radio and Surf SA
Goldstein is Adam Hooper (lead vocals, guitar, accordion), Ben Hooper (violin, mandolin), Robin Pratt (guitar), Jeremy Owen (drums) and Paul Kolomitsev (bass). Goldstein’s unique style, instrumentation and lyrics have it sitting firmly and proudly in the folk music storytelling tradition. The music has been likened to icon bands Redgum, Wedding Parties Anything and The Pogues, with Redgum’s John Schumann paying the ultimate tribute:
“I love Goldstein’s songs – and I love the fact they sing them in unselfconscious Australian accents. In a world of inconsequential, humourless songs delivered in pseudo-septic accents, Goldstein is like a gully wind at the end of a stiflingly hot day.” John Schumann (Redgum)
Goldstein has released six independent albums to date – receiving excellent reviews and national radio airplay.
The band is currently working on its UnSung Folk project – interviewing and writing original songs about people who have made a unique impact on their home state.
Reviews for CDs
“Goldstein is the best South Australian band since Cold Chisel. Heartfelt, tuneful, energetic folk rock with a suburban edge. Goldstein is always a crowd pleaser and an affirmation of what’s good about Oz. Highly recommended and the latest album ‘Playing Dog’ rocks.” Peter Goers OAM, 891 ABC Radio Evening Show Presenter 2015.
“Rollicking, rather odd and entertaining,” Rob Dunstan, Reviewer for Music SA 2012.
“Goldstein’s fair dinkum commitment to life’s battlers and other less fortunate members of Australian society is endearing. Do justice to The Pogues in their heyday.” Tony Hillier, Reviewer for Rhythms Magazine 2012.
“As a kid raised on a steady diet of Redgum, I instantly warmed to Adelaide band Goldstein. There is a lot to like about Bin Night. It’s done with such pathos and humour that it’s hard not to be swept up by it.” Nathan Davies, Music Reviewer Sunday Mail June 6, 2010.
“Adam Hooper is a master of telling stories with regular and even mundane subject matter, but he has a deftness in unearthing deep levels of sentiment and emotion, turning the songs into something personal and special.” Ross Collin, Reviewer for MusicSA July 4 2010.
Festival Reviews
“It’s easy to see why Goldstein won the 2009 SA Folk Award for Most Outstanding CD release. I love the way they just stand and deliver their brand of honest, fair dinkum, real-life Aussie songs with accents and arrangements to match. They are the real deal as far as I’m concerned and I’d book them for the Festival again anytime.” Peter Thornton, Coordinator Fleurieu Folk Festival.
“Goldstein was deservedly an immensely popular act at the 2013 Cygnet Folk Festival. Their delivery of their original, various witty and occasionally poignant songs are a joy to hear. Great honest, intelligent music. I’d recommend them to any festival or event.” Erin Collins, Artistic Director Cygnet Folk Festival.
“Goldstein mix professionalism and laricanism to create a unique but very Australian sound. Their real-life lyrics don’t pull any punches but don’t drag you down either. Enjoyment is the word that describes what Goldstein create. It is obvious they enjoy performing, the audience enjoys listening and I definitely enjoyed working with them.” Ian Main Wirrina Bluegrass Festival Coordinator.
“Goldstein are a unique blend of Australiana folk & pub rock that appeal to audiences who have good taste and a brain. They are left of centre and refined at the same time plus a pleasure to work with.” Deb Thorsen, Semaphore Music Festival Coordinator.
Goldstein 