A summer staple waiting to happen.

Connecticut-based jam band Goose is back with their fourth studio album, Everything Must Go, after a series of member departures, including a founding member, that would crush a weaker ensemble. Luckily for Goose, the members they added are just as talented, and they managed to create a solid LP with them.

In the nature of jam bands, none of the songs are shorter than 5 minutes, focusing on solos and quality instrumentation rather than the tight, manufactured 2.5-minute runtime of most modern pop songs. 

The members of Goose bring quality to every instrument they use for this record. The quartet consists of Rick Mitarotonda on guitar, Peter Anspach on keys/guitar, Trevor Weekz on bass, and Cotter Ellis on drums; They are all masters of their chosen weapons.

The second track, “Give It Time,” will soon be a staple of all road trips. The folky chorus and meaningful lyrics convey a sense of freedom. Reminiscent of acts like Bastille, this track is cinematic and punchy. It also has a wicked guitar solo.

“Dustin Hoffman,” the third track on the record, is a definite standout. It features a funk-inspired slap bass and horn section. The percussion is awesome and oh so refreshing. Mitarotonda’s lyrics are fun, catchy, and upbeat, complementing the instrumental. From the funky intro to the insane harmonized guitar solo at the end, this track is outstanding all the way through. 

Many Goose fans prefer the live versions of these songs, which the band performed long before the album’s release. However, the album cleans up the rough edges of the live performances and adds a sense of longevity to the members’ performances. The live versions are spectacular, of course, but the clean production of the studio album ensures the songs will be true to the band’s vision.

The seventh track, “Animals,” wholly benefits from this production with added sound effects, layers of synths, and guest instrumental performances. All these moving parts, including the phenomenal horn section, elevate the song to a higher plane. The big band adds a true sense of funk and pleasure not achievable through the quartet alone. It is another standout track on this album.

The penultimate and longest track on the record, “Silver Rising,” is another song built for long drives and contemplative nights. A longtime favorite of Goose fans, the studio version adds a layer of top-notch production that captures the energy of a live performance. Though the song is 7 minutes long, it’s far from boring or tedious. 

Overall, Everything Must Go is fun, inventive, and truly refreshing. With the dark melancholy of winter thawing, it’s natural to look for the heat and joy of summer. Goose’s Everything Must Go is perfect for just that.