Somewhere between noise-rock and lamplight croonery; the songs pulse and breathe like good rock should - alive, uncluttered, and headstrong.

5 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: Pop Underground

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Grown men do lots of things and The Good Fiction write music about it. Somewhere between noise-rock and lamplight croonery, The Good Fiction pound out a beat much like the Long Beach coast itself. Their music is as much beauty as grit, as much oil as water. Singer/bassist Ben Hinch, guitarist Shannon McMurray, and drummer Hale Savard have called Long Beach their home for most of their lives. Like most bands from here, they are worried less with the industry hotspots to the north and more with creating their own dynamic sound.

Ben, Shannon, and Hale played here and there together in small indie creations, but never all three together. Among the many projects, Hale and Ben formed the alt-country band Peephsot and Shannon would go on to major-label success with Maxeen. Finally, in 2007 the three decided to get together and play three covers, to see if there was a spark. As Ben recalls, âI had no expectations, only to have a good time with some good friends, but we started writing our own stuff right away. The music just seemed to happen.â

Now a year later, the music created since that first rehearsal is featured on their 2008 five-song EP âPasoâ. The songs on âPasoâ showcase their airtight musicianship and incisive, sometimes rueful lyrics. âPasoâ was tracked at Sunset Sound but relies less on excessive production and more on the songs themselves. âWe wanted to put ourselves in a situation that would tell us if the songs were strong enough on their own,â says guitarist Shannon McMurray. Indeed, the songs pulse and breathe like good rock should â alive, uncluttered, and headstrong.

The Good Fiction are headed back into the studio this summer to record more music. Says Hale, âOur newest stuff is even more melodic, but has more tension and a little tighter focus, stylistically and sonically.â Look for at least two new songs by late summer. Until then youâll have to see them performing near you or subsist on the five tracks on âPasoâ.

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