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Tim Goulding — Midnight Fry
(Bandcamp Think Like a Key TLAK, 2000/2026, CD / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2026-06-04

Midnight Fry Cover art

Tim Goulding, former member of Dr. Strangely Strange, released his one and only solo album in 2000. Now 26 years later Think Like a Key has reissued this overlooked album. Recorded on the Beara Peninsula in southwest Ireland, Goulding created an album that clearly distanced himself from the quirkiness of Dr. Strangely Strange, though the many changes and styles are reminiscent of the band. Midnight Fry showcases Goulding exploring a blend of folk, electronics, blues rock, and pop. The blues rock and jazzy tunes are ok. What does stand out for me is the acid folk “Piece of Cod” with its trippy drones, as well as the expansive eight-minute journey of “O-Mané.” “O-Mané” is a mixture of of drones, acoustic guitar, flute, electric guitar, child laughter, wordless chanting, and singing, though it sounds like Goulding is singing “Oh Money!,” which does change the meaning of the song. I also find the closing song, “Toast Your Own,” with its pulsating sequencers, to be a playful upbeat song, a great way to close the album. The rest of the album is so-so. And on the song “Footsoldier” is one of the dumbest lyrics I have heard in a long time: “I’m a foot soldier in the army of love.” What was Goulding thinking when he wrote this song? Even though Goulding is joined on Midnight Fry by his old bandmates Ivan Pawle, Tim Booth, and Joe Thoma on different tracks, along with a number of other guest musicians, Midnight Fry is not what you would expect from a Dr. Strangely Strange alumnus.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases, 2000 recordings

Related artist(s): Tim Goulding

More info
http://drstrangelystrange.bandcamp.com/album/midnight-fry

 

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