Geese at Barboza

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Geese, a group of five 19-year-olds blew into the Barboza

promoting their debut album Projector. Early on Geese has caught the attention of some big music

giants including Seattle’s very own KEXP and Sub Pop Records. Cheryl Waters of KEXP arranged a

performance for Geese which has gathered over 16,000 views on YouTube.

   Furthermore, we can’t help but see evident similarities to when Strokes came on the scene 20

years ago. Details like their age, geographical origin, how they met in high school, and their

undeniable music talent all allude to a Strokes sort of expectation. The similarities cease when first hearing their music. You’re not sure of what you’re hearing because it sounds like they stepped out of a time machine. However, we’re unsure of whether it’s from the future or the past.

       Lead vocalist Cameron Winters keeps the performance as unpredictable as possible switching

between a range suggestive of Elvis meshed with Robert Plant brought into the 2020’s, embellished

with unmistakable 70’s emphases sometimes reminiscent of Joey Ramone or Jonathan Richman.

Winter’s belts with his whole body while crouching and stomping one foot to the beats of the songs, projecting a unique energy to the crowd. The instrumentation equally compliments the vocal

components in terms of innovation. All instruments sounding in some ways off beat yet still precisely in sync with one another. Geese led their performance with an unplaceable song but instantly pulled the crowd in kicking into thick, classic, bluesy sounding riffs. It’s obvious why the group has been scooped up by Partisan records so quickly. Geese’s unaltered passion shine through all the preconceptions.

      We’re hoping this is not lost as they mature in the industry. Geese also model the importance of

music programs for the youth, which they credit for getting them together and encouraging their

creative expression. All in all, Geese left us with a neoteric yet nostalgic sound to keep us chomping

at the bit.

Photos and words: Allison Lynch