Like ten years ago when there was no shortage of “Wolf” bands, these days those of the waterfowl kind have been in rapid demand. Take jam fast risers Goose or the primal indie rockers, Geese. But let’s not forget about Gooseberry who have been crushing it with a frantic fast-paced style that harkens to that of Oh Sees and Ty Segall.
Since the release of their 2022 debut EP Broken Dance, Brooklyn, NY indie rock trio Gooseberry have been busy. Their eminently engaging music has tickled the ears and stirred the hearts of both music fans and the industry itself.
Yet, more than anything, in the ten months since the release, Asa Daniels (guitar, vocals), Evin Rossington (drums), and Will Hammond (bass) have been focused on doing what they do best: playing shows. Deeply connected to the scene in NYC and Brooklyn, they have dazzled crowds from the iconic Baby’s All Right to the legendary Knitting Factory. “We are super fortunate to call a lot of really great – and buzzing – NYC bands our friends” says Daniels. “We feel ourselves part of that community and eternally grateful for being welcomed with such open arms. Our hometown has truly shaped what this band has become.”
Now, the power trio is back with a new slate of songs born in Greenpoint and honed to perfection on the road. Conceived and fleshed out over the course of a year, Validate Me as a cohesive piece of art eloquently showcases the unique alternative rock sound that is wholly Gooseberry. “Life as a trio allows us to really lean into dynamics,” explains Daniels. “We can hit you with a squall of distortion and guttural shouts, then shift on a dime and sing you a lullaby.”
Thematically, Validate Me grapples with the relationship between love and making art, magnifying the sacrifices and leaps of faith both require. “Anger as a device can lead to both polished and rough expressions of passion,” says Daniels. “Much of that anger manifests from fear, which drives us down many wayward paths, whether it be fear of rejection, fear of too much understanding, or fear of losing control.”
Glide is premiering Gooseberry’s fast and furious “Swindle,” (below) which pummels with reckless aggression that mirrors that garage rock revival of the early aughts and touches on glam and punk pioneers like New York Dolls and The Stooges.
“Swindle is a song borne of frustration with the rise in despotism over the past few years, here in America, but also around the world in Italy, Brazil, and so on. And while abuse of power and authoritarian trends have come and gone, never have they seemed quite so… so… so stupid. “Swindle” is a ceaselessly driving rock song that comes out swinging with an ascending chromatic riff from a gritty guitar and never lets up. The song is told from the perspective of a wannabe dictator as he makes his appeal to his followers. Gone are the days of pretending to influence with guile; enter instead brash bravado that can declare “it’s propaganda; try mine, it’s better for you.” This leader knows his audience, his fans, his sycophants. They want to be like him. They want power. They want the riches they believe he has. He’s happy to tell them that he knows that that’s what they want, why they love him, why they need him. And he makes no bones about his feelings for them: “I can’t do this alone, the lord knows that I’ve tried… I think you’re disgusting.” Ultimately, Swindle is dripping with blisteringly sardonic anger, matched only by the intensity of the arrangement featuring blaring guitars, bombastic drums, and pumping bass,” says Daniels.