Goose returned to San Francisco, CA’s Regency Ballroom on Sunday night for its second of two consecutive shows. The performance saw an “Elmeg The Wise” bust out, the debut of “Arise”, and several choice covers throughout the evening.
After opening with a Shenanigans Nite Club instrumental, “The Labyrinth”, the indie-jam quintet launched into its first cover of the evening, “I’m Writing a Novel”, from Father John Misty‘s 2012 album, Fear Fun. Played for only the third time, and the first since November 12th, 2021 at Austin, TX’s Scoot Inn, this rendition of “I’m Writing a Novel” featured some splendid keys work from Peter Anspach, who gelled nicely with Rick Mitarotonda (guitar) as the two stretched this one out for over 13 minutes.
Goose – “I’m Writing a Novel” (Father John Misty) – 1/30/22
[Video: drbobzero]
The band continued working through the first frame with a slower, vibey take on “Tumble”, followed by a jammed-out “Wysteria Lane”, penned by the cornerstone of Goose’s groove, bassist Trevor Weekz. Another rarified cover, Paul Simon‘s “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”, featured lighting director Andrew Goedde on whistle and took the set toward its endpoint, setting up a “So Ready” that sent the Regency Ballroom crowd off into a short break.
Goose – “Wysteria Lane” – 1/30/22
Related: Goose Announces Radio City Music Hall Concert, Shares New Single, “Borne” [Listen]
Returning to the stage, the five-piece continued a trend of second set debuts with “Arise”. Written by Mitarotonda and initially played with the acoustic Goose offshoot Orebolo in Tarrytown, NY on December 2nd, “Arise” took on new life with the full band. Ben Atkind held his own behind the kit and worked in tandem with Jeff Arevalo, who played percussion with the full band as opposed to upright bass with Orebolo. The slow and melodic tune featured Mitarotonda’s vocals, which soared above a traditional piano sound from Anspach’s keys before the group picked up the energy with “Elizabeth”.
Goose – “Arise” – 1/30/22
[Video: Must Have Media]
Up next came “Into The Myst”, which eventually segued into The Clash‘s “Rock The Casbah”, serving as the third and final cover of the night. Goose had yet another surprise up its sleeve for the San Francisco faithful, barreling into a lengthy, 22-minute telling of “Elmeg The Wise”. Originally written by Mitarotonda for an old project, St. John’s Revival, “Elmeg” has become a song chased by every Goose fan. Its cinematic lyrics and emotionally charged delivery always seem to move the listener to a place of introspection and wonder. Last played at the band’s own Fred The Festival, “Elmeg The Wise” arrived as a perfect set two closer and readied the room for an upbeat encore of “Hot Tea”.
Goose – “Elmeg The Wise” – 1/30/22
[Video: drbobzero]
Goose will continue its 2022 West Coast tour on Wednesday, February 2nd, at Bend, OR’s Midtown. From there, the band will head off to Portland, OR on the 4th and beyond. Head to the Goose website for ticket and additional tour information and check out a detailed setlist of Sunday’s show at Regency Ballroom. Furthermore, scroll down for a gallery of images from the show courtesy of photographer Josh Huver/Must Have Media.
Setlist [via El Göose]: Goose | Regency Ballroom | San Francisco, CA | 1/30/22
Set One: The Labyrinth > I’m Writing a Novel (Father John Misty), Tumble, Wysteria Lane, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon) [1], So Ready
Set Two: Arise [2], Elizabeth, Into The Myst > Rock The Casbah (The Clash), Elmeg The Wise
Encore: Hot Tea
Notes
[1] w/Andrew Goedde on whistle
[2] FTP