Goose returned to The Chrysalis at Merriweather Park for round two last Saturday, and delivered dark, raging jams for a very packed crowd. This was the second time the Connecticut based squad played in this tranquil, natural environment that contains an artistic stage designed to meld with the surroundings. This band continues to grow their fan base, as many in attendance were at their first or second show, and loving it.

The evening began as concert goers lined up to gain access to the rail when doors opened. New friendships were forged during the wait. Eventually the fans made the journey into the venue from one of two entrances, either through the lawn of Merriweather Post Pavilion, or through the Symphony Woods entrance nestled in the woods. The venue was at the bottom of a hill, similar to the set up of the famous amphitheater on the other side of the hill.The long shadows of trees covered the grounds and stretched down the hill, providing much needed shade from the summer sun as fans waited for Goose to start playing.

The show kicked off with "Elizabeth," sung by multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach, and reached a peak early. Newer song "Atlas Dogs" was up next, and fluidly moved into a fiery twenty minute "Echo of a Rose" without stopping. Drummer Ben Atkind laid down his incredibly steady beats as Anspach's keyboard playing elevated the song's beauty. Eventually, guitarist Rick Mitarotonda took the song to the first apex, with Anspach switching to the clavinet momentarily. Mitarotonda brought the song back into a second, raging climax before diving back into the lyrics, "Looking from far above where I used to wait for an echo of a rose," which likely resonated with those fans at the top of the hill.

Anspach moved from his seat to stand on the speaker with his guitar in front of the crowd for the high energy, dual guitar tune written by his other band Great Blue, "Yeti." Anspach and Mitarotonda proceeded to weave their guitars together as the jam progressed during this tune that is reminiscent of the Disco Biscuits. Upon the conclusion, Anspach turned to the crowd with a smile and said, "How are you guys feeling out there?"

Newer tune "Turbulence & the Night Rays" followed, having only been played twice prior. The set closed out with the first dark jam of the night in "Jive II," as the band reminded the crowd that "a little bit goes a long, long way." Anspach once again switched to the clav, and a tasty funk jam ensued as bassist Trevor Weekz led the charge. When the song reached the final peaks, percussionist Jeff Arevalo and Atkind perfectly decorated the musical landscape.

The band returned from a short break for a twenty two minute "Earthling or Alien?" The dark funk theme rolled on as the band descended deep into an evil jam, led by Mitarotonda. Lighting Director Andrew Goedde illuminated The Chrysalis, elevating the minor chords with an edgy brilliance. Anspach introduced synth sounds that were reminiscent of the "Animal" from the 2022 Legend Valley show, before a stop start transition into the bouncy "So Ready." This song dove into a high speed jam with a nice helping of tension and release.

The energy dipped as the band began "Travelers." The band flowed into a smooth, melodic jam that eventually ascended into a raging build up. Atkind took the lead, and switched into Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield," last played at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, IL on December 30th. The dark theme raged on as Weekz continued to set the tone. As the song wrapped up, both Mitarotonda and Anspach took a moment to watch Weekz with delight.

The set ending "Empress of Organos," by Goose predecessor Vasudo, was up next. The crowd and band smiled from ear to ear as everyone sang, "Oh what a day to be livin'." Goose continued to use darkness to play tricks on stage, as Goedde projected multi-colored lights throughout The Chrysalis. One wonders when he will finally be given the nickname, AG6. The song ended on a high note, with a vibrant applause from the crowd.

The band returned for one final tune, but before the music began, Anspach grabbed the mic to thank the crowd, and announce the Goose's latest ambition: playing at the main stage in Merriweather Post Pavilion. He said, "Hope you guys can help get us there. Tell your friends. We love you guys so much. Thanks for everything." The band then played "White Lights", as Goedde illuminated the entire rig with brilliant white lights.

Goose brought another face melting show to The Chrysalis, and found many new fans in the process. They are firing on all cylinders as they gear up for a sure to be legendary Colorado run, with two nights at Dillon Amphitheater on August 16-17 and one night at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 18th. Tickets are sold out for all three shows, but can be obtained through the face value ticket exchange Cash or Trade. Also, for those who can't make the run, the band will be streaming all three shows via Nugs.Net. Don't miss out on these shows.

Check out more photos from the show!

Set One
Elizabeth, Atlas Dogs, Echo of a Rose, Yeti, Turbulence & the Night Rays, Jive II

Set Two
Earthling or Alien?, So Ready, Travelers, Love is a Battlefield¹, Empress of Organos

Encore
White Lights

Notes
1. Pat Benatar