Music / Review
Review: Geese, Rough Trade – ‘The set seemed a touch self-indulgent at times’
An air of anticipation surrounded Rough Trade Bristol on Wednesday evening as the venue stared down the barrel of a capacity crowd. Those waiting at the bar stood engulfed in a feverish hubbub of excitement centred around the American indie outfit Geese. Prior to doors opening, the band announced a sell-out crowd and thanked Bristolians for a fitting last dance before their trip back over the pond.
As the city’s indie enthusiasts flocked in to watch Geese, early birds were treated to Leeds indie outfit L’objectif. The audience were left stunned by five contagiously hypnotic guitar tracks. Despite shimmering guitar tones and a bass player with enough energy to power his amplifier, the frontman stood still, captivating the room with his melodic messages.
Whoever writes the lyrics in L’objectif is a pen and paper away from justifiably calling themselves a wordsmith. It’s safe to say these boys from Leeds have some serious potential.
is needed now More than ever
With L’objectif’s electrifying performance threatening to overshadow the main act, Geese had a lot to live up to. As they ran and jumped onto the stage, the room surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse of what they’d all come to see. What they got was a vibrant rendition of classic rock tones.
It’s clear Geese have mastered their crafts. Credit: Will Heason
It’s clear Geese have mastered their crafts; the band seamlessly transitioned through their songs, sending the audience into a whirlwind of guitar-fuelled frenzy. Low-era is the band’s most successful song and to those lucky enough to hear it live it’s no mystery why. The tune stood out clearly from the rest of the setlist with brilliantly clever guitar melodies.
Despite the band’s obvious musical talent, they failed to truly engage with the Bristol audience, and some could well argue the set seemed a touch self-indulgent at times. Nonetheless, the crowd left happy, safe in the knowledge that guitar music will live on for at least one more night.
Main photo: Will Heason
Read more: Rough Trade announces Open Decks series
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