By Lance Reece
Pulse Album of the Week: Geese – 3D Country
Hey, Pulse listeners! It’s Lance Reece, and welcome back to “Pulse Album of the Week.” Today, I’m diving into the vibrant and wild world of Geese‘s sophomore album, 3D Country. Released on June 23, 2023, this 11-track, 43-minute record is a bold, theatrical journey that truly marks a significant evolution for the Brooklyn-based indie rock band.
From Post-Punk to Psychedelic Americana
Geese first burst onto the scene with their 2021 debut, Projector, which was a gritty post-punk offering recorded in a basement. But 3D Country? This is a whole different beast entirely. Co-produced by the band and the acclaimed James Ford (who you might know from his work with Arctic Monkeys), this album throws off any genre constraints. Imagine a heady mix of indie rock, art punk, alt-country, and experimental rock, all wrapped up in a surreal narrative.
The album’s concept, dreamt up by lead vocalist Cameron Winter, centers on an uptight cowboy who takes psychedelics in the Wild West and completely unravels. As Winter puts it, the cowboy “fries his brain forever… Ultimately he finds himself in the end and it turns celebratory.” This trippy tale isn’t just for fun; it’s a metaphor for grappling with modern anxieties—climate change, societal collapse, and the quest for identity in a world that feels like it’s “sliding out of view.” Honestly, it feels like Geese’s own journey from teenage angst to a confident, chaotic twenty-something swagger.
A Sonic Smorgasbord
Musically, 3D Country is a feast for the ears. It effortlessly blends classic rock, country, jazz, and post-punk with a playful, jam-band energy. You’ll hear Zeppelin-esque riffs explode on tracks like “2122,” while “Cowboy Nudes” brings a danceable, Talking Heads-like vibe with its sing-along melodies. Then there’s the seven-minute epic “Undoer,” which swings from bluesy grooves to hardcore distortion, showcasing the band’s incredible dynamic range.
Cameron Winter’s vocals are a standout, shifting from smooth croons to raw yelps and soaring falsettos, especially on tracks like “Mysterious Love” and “I See Myself.” The album’s unpredictability, combined with tight musicianship and warm harmonies, creates a sense of pure, gleeful abandon.
Thematic Depths and Recording Evolution
Beyond the wild sounds, 3D Country delves into themes of apocalyptic dread and perseverance, often with a quirky sense of humor and emotional vulnerability. Lyrics explore love, freedom, and existential crises, with a subtle queer undertone in tracks like “Cowboy Nudes.” Even with a backdrop of a “hot, hot desert,” reflecting awareness of a burning world, the album ends on a hopeful note with the honky-tonk closer “St. Elmo,” proclaiming, “Some stories have a sad end / Some sad stories have no [redacted] point.”
The recording process for 3D Country was a major step up for Geese. Unlike their self-recorded debut, this album was crafted in a professional studio over two years. James Ford’s production really helped streamline their maximalist ideas into cohesive, almost radio-friendly tracks, while still allowing for adventurous experimentation. The album even features a DALL-E AI-generated cover, a visual nod to its themes of artificiality and surrealism.
Cameron Winter: The Creative Heart
At the center of Geese’s innovative sound is Cameron Winter, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter. His distinctive voice and introspective, often surreal lyrics drive the band’s genre-bending style. Winter’s vision, including his determination to avoid musical stagnation, has kept Geese constantly evolving. His willingness to defy expectations even extends to his recent solo work, Heavy Metal, which he recorded unconventionally across New York Guitar Center stores using in-store equipment, a true testament to his commitment to artistic freedom.
Why 3D Country Resonates
3D Country has been widely praised. Critics and fans alike have hailed it as a bold step forward, celebrating its inventive genre fusions and infectious energy. Rolling Stone and NME have even called it one of the best rock albums of 2023. It’s clear that Geese isn’t just New York’s next big thing; they’re a band redefining what’s possible in rock music.
This album is a celebration of individuality and resilience, proving that Geese is a band to watch, continually pushing boundaries and inspiring listeners with their fearless experimentation.
What are your thoughts on Geese 3D Country? Share them with us!
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