At the end of last year, 23-year-old Cameron Coolweather from New York made headlines with his debut album, titled Heavy Steel. Despite its name, this collection is far from heavy metal; instead, it presents a series of darkly comedic ballads that draw inspiration from legendary figures such as Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. The opening track “Trinidad,” featured on his band Geese’s fourth album, does indeed incorporate some metal-like vocal elements. What starts as an ethereal journey through fragmented soul music rapidly evolves into a chaotic mix of erratic brass sounds and distorted guitar riffs, culminating in the frantic chant: “There’s a bomb in my car!”

The song “Getting Killed” strikes with an urgent alarm—a blend of sonic chaos that merges various musical styles—mirroring the frenetic energy found in tracks like “100 Horses,” where rapid-fire vocals clash with eclectic rhythms alongside surreal yet sardonic lyrics (“Everyone should smile during times of war”; “I’m being overwhelmed by a rather stunning life.”). However, there’s also an unsettling feeling that these songs might be inside jokes among friends—after all, Geese members are collage pals—and rock music itself becomes part of their satire; depth is often overshadowed by absurdity (“like suggesting a sailor wear an outrageous green coat—you might just discover freedom”) while sweet melodies reminiscent of Van Morrison are delivered in an exaggerated manner.

While “Getting Killed” may initially seem cryptic, its brilliance becomes evident—the creativity, irreverence, melodic prowess—all vital characteristics for any extraordinary band shine through distinctly here. “when you want me to pay my taxes,” Coolweather rasps over falsetto harmonies paired with syncopated percussion lines,“You better come over with a crucifix / You’re going to have to pin me down.” This sideways nod towards contemporary absurdities is balanced by the warm embrace of classic rock melodies; it perfectly encapsulates Geese’s unique appeal.