Geese Abroad: Moshes and Yorkshire Pudding
WRITTEN BY NOAH ROSNAK
Geese. The band everyone’s talking about. They’re the current face of Alternative Rock N ‘ Roll, inspiring listeners around the world to pick up those sticks, buy that guitar, visit record shops, and dance once more.
Before my exchange at the University of Leeds, I had one concert ticket tucked away in my pocket, counting down the days until I would walk through the venue doors to see Geese live. If you’re not familiar, Geese is an alternative band formed in 2016 in Brooklyn, New York. The lineup includes bassist Dominic Digesu, drummer Max Bassin, lead guitarist Emily Green, and vocalist and rhythm guitarist Cameron Winter. They’ve recently released their Junior EP, Getting Killed, following the success of their sophomore album, 3D Country, along with Winter’s solo album Heavy Metal. This band is on a trajectory to the moon, taking inspiration from music legends like Radiohead and Bob Dylan, blending these influences to create their own unique and addictive sound.
As a newcomer to Yorkshire, I quickly discovered that the Leeds O2 Academy is a hotspot for up-and-coming bands. Acts like Wednesday had performed just weeks prior, alongside more established artists like Franz Ferdinand. I made sure to arrive early to secure a good spot, and it became clear I wasn’t the only one with that plan. Fans of all ages lined up, showcasing curated outfits with Geese-inspired twists and cowboy hats in support of the opening act, Westside Cowboy. I knew I was in for a treat.
As the line moved slowly, I caught snippets of fan interviews discussing favourite songs and concerts, affirming that I was in the right place. Finally, I made it into the venue and secured my spot a few feet back from the barricade, eagerly awaiting the lights to dim.
The night kicked off with an incredible performance from Westside Cowboy, a rising Manchester band that could easily fill the venue on its own. Their captivating stage presence had the crowd dancing and singing along, with drummer Paddy Murphy standing out with fills and rhythms that shook the concrete concourse. I could write a whole article about West Side Cowboy, but for now, let’s focus on Geese.
When Geese finally took the stage, the room erupted. Cheers of “Yorkshire! Yorkshire! Yorkshire!” filled the air as the band laughed and dove right into “Husbands,” the third track off Getting Killed. Although it’s one of the tamer songs in their catalogue, that didn’t matter. We were jumping, dancing, and singing along, with energy building as mosh pits began to form. One highlight of the set was “2122,” where an entertained Cameron Winter playfully broke into “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba mid-song, with the entire crowd singing along and crowd surfing beginning; a fitting homage to a hometown legend. They closed the set with their unreleased song “Apollo,” and it was incredible to see everyone in the crowd singing every word, despite it being a new addition.
As the show pressed on, the moment for the encore arrived, closing with one final song, “Trinidad.” After what felt like an hour of moshing, complete with lost shoes, scattered clothing, and abandoned cellphones, I braced myself for impact. The moment the first note hit, the crowd went wild. I’ve never witnessed such crowd control; everyone moved as one organism. You had no say in whether you landed on your feet or were swept away; just dance along.
Just as quickly as it began, the lights came up, and that was it. I found myself searching for more, an unmistakable sign of a great show. I can only hope they schedule a second leg when I return home to Toronto. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to their album, and if you do, play it from start to finish, whether you’re taking a walk, working in the office, or finishing an assignment. I hope it gives you the same exhilarating feeling that many fans, myself included, experienced.
I just want to get up and dance.
