Psychedelic delirious rock

Goose’s newly released BIG MODERN! (2026) is a strong entry for fans of pop-rock and psychedelic rock. This jam band’s sixth album is a work of clear ’80s influence, featuring impressive performances from musicians Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach, Trevor Weekz and Cotter Ellis. It serves as a commentary on the unhinged sensation and bewildering nature of modern life, providing listeners an opportunity to reflect on contemporary society.

The record opens with “(begin),” an instrumental prelude that builds momentum for what follows. The title track, “Big Modern!,” opens with syncopated instrumentation and dives directly into one of the album’s central themes: the erratic unpredictability of modern life. “Savenger” is where the ’80s rock influence shines through most clearly, featuring prominent synths and punchy drums while outlining how life is often “easy come, easy go.”

The album’s first stretch of jam-oriented material begins with “(you are here),” a continuation of “Savenger” that utilizes similar harmonies and lyrics while expanding on the idea of how fleeting and small life can feel. It transitions seamlessly into “((savengersspell)),” an interlude that arrives at the perfect point in the album to showcase the group’s musical chemistry and improvisational strengths.

The lead single, “Good2B,” is among the grooviest tracks on the record. Like “Big Modern!,” it reflects on life’s fleeting nature through list-like lyrics and observations about modern existence. “MEDIA” further develops the album’s technological themes, with Anspach and Mitarotonda joining voices to create one of the record’s most distinctive vocal performances. Its shorter runtime and hyper-energized sound mirror the speed and overstimulation of contemporary media consumption.

“Torero” brings grungier instrumentation and heavier drums, creating an apprehensive atmosphere as the song builds. Its guitar solo flows naturally into the jam-driven “(faena),” which features rich percussion and frenetic guitar work. “POP” returns to the album’s ’80s-inspired sound, embracing a synth-pop feel and more electronic vocal textures. The fuzzy guitar tones build toward “SALT,” whose standout bassline anchors a funk-infused jam that highlights the band’s progressive rock influences.

“(again)” serves as another effective interlude before transitioning into “Good Times // End Times,” which revisits the synth-heavy pop sound heard earlier in the album. Themes of life’s absurdity once again emerge in the lyrics. “((nocturne))” uses strings to build an eerie atmosphere before exploding into an electrifying jam session. Closing the album is “(((postplace))),” the record’s most mellow moment, providing an introspective conclusion to an otherwise energetic listening experience.

Throughout BIG MODERN!, Goose demonstrates a clear mastery of its craft, balancing technical musicianship with memorable songwriting. Its commentary on contemporary society gives the record thematic weight, while the band’s blend of groovy instrumentation, psychedelic textures and extended jams keeps the album engaging from start to finish.