Matt LuceyOver the last few years, Goose have steadily built a reputation as a band willing to blur the lines between rock, jam, funk, and soul. Known just as much for their live chemistry as their studio work, the band has carved out a sound that feels rooted in classic American music while still sounding fresh. With Chain Yer Dragon, Goose continue that journey, delivering an album that’s confident, relaxed, and full of musical conversation.
This is a record that doesn’t rush to impress — it settles in, finds its groove, and lets the songs speak for themselves.
Goose So Far
Before Chain Yer Dragon, Goose had already shown an ability to balance tight songwriting with extended instrumental passages. Their previous releases hinted at a band growing more comfortable in their own skin, and that confidence is all over this album.
Rather than chasing trends, Goose lean into feel, texture, and interplay. The result is a sound that feels familiar without ever being lazy — a tough balance to strike, but one the band handles well here.
Chain Yer Dragon
Produced with a warm, open touch, Chain Yer Dragon has a laid-back but deliberate tone. The album leans into classic rock influences — particularly from the late ’60s and ’70s — while avoiding the trap of sounding overly retro. There’s space in these songs, and the band uses it wisely, allowing each instrument its moment without tipping into excess.
“Hot Love and Lazy Poet”: A Statement of Intent
“Hot Love and Lazy Poet” is a perfect introduction to the album’s vibe. The guitar tone immediately brings to mind echoes of the Allman Brothers, warm and fluid without being flashy. When the vocals arrive, they’re confident but never overpowering, sitting comfortably over a simple, effective beat.
There’s a strong sense of 1970s American soft rock here, but it’s handled with care. A synth-style instrument steps forward for a solo that breaks up the song nicely, adding contrast without derailing the groove. The recurring guitar riff is a clear highlight, anchoring the track as the sound builds around it.
The song’s strength lies in its restraint. The drums get moments to shine, the sound stays robust without being overcooked, and when the instrumental section takes over — with guitar, bass, and drum solos flowing one into the next — it feels earned. It’s a tidy, confident track and a strong statement piece for the album as a whole.
“Echoes of a Rose”: Funky, Jazzy, and Cohesive
“Echoes of a Rose” opens with a groove that’s a little funky, a little jazzy, immediately setting it apart. A tidy riff and layered percussion slowly build momentum before the vocals enter, locked perfectly in rhythm with the band.
This track really highlights how well Goose work together. Everyone seems to know their role, and the chemistry suggests a band that would thrive on stage. The guitar solo doesn’t aim to blow the doors off, but it carries attitude and charm as it takes center stage.
There’s a clear throwback to ’60s and ’70s guitar tones here, but it never feels derivative. The slow fade-out at the end is especially effective, winding the song down gently and helping the album feel cohesive. Any other ending would have felt forced — this one just works.
“Rockdale”: Letting the Guitar Run Free
If there’s a track that truly lets Goose stretch out, it’s “Rockdale.” The song opens with a rocky, noodling guitar riff before the rest of the band gradually joins in — cowbell, drums, and bass stacking up layer by layer. Then, almost suddenly, the song fully materialises.
The rhythm has a fantastic swing, and when the vocals arrive, the harmony adds real weight and gravity. Guitar licks between vocal lines are full of attitude, and by this point in the album, a pattern has emerged: the guitar solos are consistently one of the biggest strengths.
Here, the guitar is given a longer leash, drenched in reverb and atmosphere, allowed to really open up. It’s expressive, loose, and confident — easily the standout moment on the album and a strong contender for its best track.
An Album That Knows When to Hold Back
Chain Yer Dragon works because Goose understand restraint as well as release. The album is packed with strong musicianship, but it never feels showy for the sake of it. Instead, it’s about feel, chemistry, and letting songs grow naturally.
For fans of classic rock, jam bands, and modern groups with an old soul, this album is an easy recommendation — a confident, cohesive release that shows Goose continuing to refine their sound without losing its heart.
