Gooding is a musical landscape artist. Instead of planting trees, he plants grooves.

His new album, 3X, is powered by an innovative style that ensnares the listener’s attention. Gooding will bring his intoxicatingly-eclectic sound to The Firehouse this Saturday night.

Gooding’s sound defies placement in any one genre. His music is a hybrid of influences: techno, rock, ambient electronica, trip hop, new age and rap.

Gooding himself changes roles frequently; he is producer, songwriter, performer, innovator and, quite arguably, genius. But he is a musician first, and his musicianship shines through on 3X, even in the most electronically altered songs.

The songs of 3X start from scratch with varied ambient moods as backdrops. Then Gooding layers on sounds with a delicate touch, making sure the over all concoction does not become grossly thick with noise.

The ingredient that makes the music irresistible is the humanity he stirs in with the mechanics. Acoustic guitar picking and piano warm the potentially cold electric scene. The sugar on top is Gooding’s ability to sample voices that epitomize the mood of the song, from an exotic female chant to the yelling of “some very funny kids from Jr. High.”

The record begins with “Division Station,” a tune which carries a slide guitar melody throughout its progression into the electronic realm. Most of the tracks begin simplistically; then gradually evolve into complex webs of sound. The guitar resonates throughout the album as a focal point for the tunes. “Licorice & Grape Kool-Aid” is a fast paced jam with funky guitar rifts and a sample of a kid yelling, “gimme some licorice right now!” Similar tracks include “Commercial Free” and the title track, “3X.”

“Gilligan” is a gem found midway through the album. It begins with the strumming of a single guitar and builds into a wall of pulsating sound. Another track, “Flow,” is a mellifluous journey. It seduces the senses with trance inducing xylophone and mellowing piano. 3X is unique, but never completely unfamiliar. Gooding proves that innovation doesn’t have to be bizarre.

Gooding’s roots are in Kansas, where he grew up infatuated with music. He began playing the drums on his Muppet drum set when he was four years old.

That same year he attended a KISS concert, an event that sealed his almost religious devotion to rock. He learned to play piano, guitar and the drums, earning local fame for his talent.

Gooding founded his own label, S3 records, and recording studio, Sixth Sense Studios. He values complete control of his work. This is understandable considering how much production his music must demand. Gooding plays all of the instruments on 3X, but in concert a band accompanies him. 3X is Gooding’s sixth full length release on his label.

Previous albums include, Collection #1, which is similar to 3X, and Disarray. Buyers beware, Disarray contains vocals; Gooding’s vocal styling is an acquired taste.

Gooding will open for Scarlet Life at an 18-and-older show this Saturday, Oct. 14 at The Firehouse. Tickets are six dollars and are available only at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information about Gooding, visit his Website http://www.gooding-s3.com. A