The self-described indie jam rock quintet Goose took their show to the Golden State for an incredible, almost week-long run. Stops included Oakland, Los Angeles, Dana Point, and of course, Santa Barbara on September 29, 2023, at the Santa Barbara Bowl. This show was nothing short of inspiring, as the band and crowd were both collectively feeling the California magic.
The Santa Barbara Bowl is perhaps one of the California music scene's best-kept secrets. It holds about 5000 people, and is described as a "mini Red Rocks on the beach." Views of the Pacific Ocean can be seen on the side of the venue. The hills and trees form the natural sides of the amphitheater. There is a very steep walk to enter the venue, but they do provide a trolley for those who are unable to handle the grade. There is also an elevator for those who can not climb the stairs to enter, along with an incredibly attentive staff who go the extra mile.
The band walked on stage to an almost full bowl of mostly West Coast fans, and dropped into a fifteen-minute, funk-fueled "Earthing or Alien?" The jam went deep early, as guitarist Rick Mitarotonda ascended into face-melting during the first song. Multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach layered in the dance party synth as this first tune went into a groove-driven simmer, before transitioning into a high-energy ending that almost felt like the end of the set. This was merely the first song.
The newer tune "Mr. Action" was up next, and built up into a raging jam that segued into an eighteen-minute "Time to Flee." A melodic heat-up ensued, as drummer Ben Atkind and percussionist Jeff Arevalo maintained an impeccable cadence during this prog rock-inspired tune that included a "Honey Bee" tease.
The inspiring Bruce Hornsby tune, "The Way It Is," proceeded, last played on July 6, 2023, in Thompson Point, Maine. Anspach shined on the keys, as the quintet dove into an explosive blues rock layered jam. The euphonious "Seekers on the Ridge Part I" > "Seekers on the Ridge Part II" was up next, and was nothing short of beautiful, along with a perfect compliment to the organic environment. The set closed with a funkified "So Ready," lead by bassist Trevor Weekz along with Anspach on the clav. Mitarotonda brought the song home, coupled with some well-placed percussion.
Set two began with a relatively new cover that was played for the third time ever, "The Killing Moon" by Echo & The Bunnymen. The song felt like it was written for Goose, albeit succinctly. A twenty-two-minute blues rock-driven "Arrow," from Dripfield, proceeded, complete with a tasty jam that had all the feels. "SOS," also known as "Same Old Schenanigans" hopped into the set list next. This was once again led by the bass thumping of Weekz, aka Trevorbass (which is a play on Lance Bass, from the 90's band N'Sync).
As this epic set waned, the band dropped a sixteen-minute "Everything Must Go." This song started slow and built into an absolute raging inferno, which ended the set on a very high note. Goose stepped off the stage and returned for one final "Hot Tea" party in this stunning outdoor venue.
Goose is on fire right now, and has a few dates left on their fall tour, before heading to Europe for what is sure to be a legendary run. Hop on over to their tour page for more details.
Check out more photos from the show!
Set 1: Earthling or Alien?, Mr. Action > Time to Flee[1], The Way It Is[2], Seekers On The Ridge Pt. 1 > Seekers On The Ridge Pt. 2, So Ready
Set 2: The Killing Moon[3] > Arrow[4], Same Old Shenanigans, Everything Must Go
Encore: Hot Tea
Coach's Notes:
[1] With Honeybee teases.
[2] Bruce Hornsby.
[3] Echo & The Bunnymen.
[4] Unfinished.
