Once, anyone who employed a band named the Maniacs might be expected to play hard rock or metal, but Mick Overman is a singer/songwriter whose style incorporates everything from gentle folk to straight rock. The opening cut, "Inside the Dream," is a somewhat precious cut with gentle guitar underpinning Overman's inward contemplation. Only the rough edges of his vocal save the song from sounding overly cloying, and it's a relief when "Ghost of a Living Girl," written by Patrick O'Connor, proves much more upbeat and rough around the edges. The arrangement, with guitar, dobro, mandolin, harmonica, and drums, has a spontaneous charm, giving it a loose, live feel. Unfortunately, Overman and company are no more committed to this approach than the one used on the first cut, and Good Thing Happen leaves the impression of being recorded at various places over a period of time. On "Pocket Full of Zero" they're a rock band; on "Lighter Side of the Load," they're hardcore folkies. This hodgepodge of approaches, even while some of the material is quite enjoyable, will most likely confuse listeners. It will also leave listeners continuously adjusting the volume as Good Thing Happen veers from New England singer/songwriter mode to Texas bar band.
© Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr. /TiVo