ONES TO WATCH - Goose

This year has definitely been a good one for electronic artists, particularly those who combine rough electronica with a stadium rock attitude. As we slide into yet another new year, Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, Digitalism, Hot Chip et al can all surely look back on the heady days of 2007 with a warm smile and some very happy memories. So now seems a perfect time to look ahead and check out who’s going to be picking up the electro baton and running off into 2008. If you find Digitalism just a little too clinical and Justice almost on the wrong side of over-hype, then a strong contender for super stardom in the coming year could very well be Goose who strike the balance perfectly between banging electronics and a great dollop of rock idol attitude.

“Wouldn’t you say AC/DC is the best school for rock ‘n’ roll?” asks vocalist Mick, in a reference to repeated Internet rumours that Goose started life as an AC/DC cover band. “In the early days we covered a lot of artists because we liked them and it was also a very good way to learn to play your instrument.” But drummer Bert is quick to add, “We weren’t really an AC/DC cover band. A long time ago we covered one song and that’s it. But I still think AC/DC is one of the best bands of the world. In a way, we do the same I think. Simple melodies, strong sounds, not too serious, same attitude…”

And attitude is something these guys have in abundance. Originally from the Belgian city of Kortrijk in West Flanders, Goose, named after Tom Cruise’s sidekick in Top Gun, first appeared in 2002, made up of Tom (bass synth/bass guitar), Bert (drums), Dave (guitar/keyboards) and Mick (vocals). Since their early days as a local cover band, this particular Goose has spread its wings with an intense touring schedule which has seen them play pretty much the world over. However, one of the fondest memories of 2007 has to be their barnstorming appearance at Germany’s Melt! Festival in July, an unforgettable synthesis of high-power electronics and school of rock swagger. Entering the stage as relative unknowns, they left many a person there confirmed Goose converts by the end of the weekend and their set has often been cited as a true high point of the entire festival. According to Tom, “Melt! festival was one of our top gigs ever. The atmosphere in the tent was incredible, we played very well that day and the crowd was amazing.” But was their solid performance the peak of the weekend? “We even got on the stage with Snap jumping up and down on trampolines while they performed Rhythm is a Dancer!”

With more of an emphasis on the irreverent rock fun of AC/DC than the clinical electronica of Kraftwerk, the Goose guys make themselves immediately more accessible as personalities than some of their more distant, too-cool-for-school contemporaries, yet the band themselves still admire and identify with their electro peers. “We do feel connected to those artists,” says Tom in reference to contemporaries such as Hot Chip, Simian Mobile Disco and Justice. “We meet them all the time on the road. For instance, Digitalism became friends after playing at the same festivals and venues so many times. We were on tour with them, Justice and MSTRKFT in Australia lately. Also, most of these acts are from around the same generation, and share the feeling that today you can enjoy and make any kind of music. There’s no borders any more.”

So, with a killer album already under their belts (Bring It On on Brighton-based label, Skint) a bunch of successful live appearances and an MTV music award nomination, Goose can comfortably put their feet up and enjoy a well-earned Christmas break before the rigours of 2008 begin. Their plans? A new album, more touring, more DJ sets, more remixes.

Perhaps Bert sums it up best; “Harder, better, faster, stronger!”

Bring it on is available now from Skint Records.