Connecticut indie jam band Goose has been on a steep upward climb, propelled by a pivotal four-night run at the legendary Capitol Theatre in April 2024. It was during this run that the band introduced new drummer Cotter Ellis, joining forces with lead guitarist/vocalist Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach (keys, guitar, vocals), and Trevor Weekz (bass).
A Jam-Band High Point: Eclipses, Album Plays, and Vampire Weekend
The Capitol Theatre shows delivered some of Goose’s most talked-about moments to date, including a 27-minute version of “Into the Myst” performed on the night of a lunar eclipse.
That night, they also played their Moon Cabin album in full. The extended “Myst” jam saw Mitarotonda and Anspach trading guitar peaks before Ellis launched into a dynamic solo that shifted the mood entirely — leading into a dreamy, 10-minute section still regarded as one of 2024’s standout live moments.
Night four brought more fireworks when Vampire Weekend joined the band onstage for free-flowing takes on “Gen-X Cops” and “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.”
The Goose Live Show Experience: Tight, Fearless, and Full of Surprises
Few bands have risen as quickly as Goose, and their live shows are a big reason why — blending tight musicianship with fearless improvisation and an indie-rock edge. Their grassroots rise, fueled by creative social media engagement and transcendent performances, has led to sold-out shows at venues such as Forest Hills Stadium and an upcoming sell-out at Madison Square Garden this June.
Introducing Everything Must Go
While known for their live chops, Goose is also studio-savvy. Their albums pull from a deep well of rock, funk, jazz, folk, and prog influences, earning them the tag “indie groove.” Their fourth LP, Everything Must Go (out April 25), is their most ambitious and transformative yet.
Goose ‘Everything Must Go’ Album Review
The record kicks off with the title track, a swirling opener anchored by the lyric:
“This is love / Sweet signal from above / Warms my brain / Now I’ll never be alone again“
Live, the song stretches into a 20-minute epic filled with crowd-igniting peaks.
“Give It Time” follows with anthemic energy and lyrical clarity, offering a more accessible entry point for non-jam band fans who prefer tight, hooky songs. “Your Direction,” featuring upbeat acoustic rhythms and Bon Iver-esque vibes, is another standout, complemented by a visually striking music video that showcases the band’s free spirit.
“Thatch,” already a live staple, stands as the record’s jam-heavy centerpiece. The studio version captures its essence, blending Phish-style funk with Mitarotonda’s textured vocals, Weekz’s basslines, and Anspach’s synth flourishes.
“Animal” leans into poetic absurdity: “And you’re an animal, it’s phenomenal / The monkeys, they work their abdominals…“
It’s another reminder that Goose isn’t afraid to mix lyrical whimsy with musical complexity.
“Red Bird,” led by Anspach, brings Grateful Dead vibes and continues to evolve on stage. Fan favorites “Atlas Dogs” and “California Magic” follow — the latter a genre-blurring showcase for Mitarotonda’s versatility on both vocals and guitar.
The album closes on a reflective note with “How It Ends,” a light-hearted meditation on mortality that’s only been performed live once — for now. Other tracks like “Dustin Hoffman” and “Iguana Song” also await their debut in the band’s live rotation.
With Everything Must Go, Goose is carving their own lane in the jam-band renaissance — one that honors tradition while embracing new ground.
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