Punk. Swing. Ragtime. Southern jazz. Surf. Van Goat is a band to which you could apply many labels, but none would quite prepare you for what you’re about to hear. Harnessing the diverse DIY aesthetic of their native Oakland, Van Goat is in the business of writing not only songs that you can dance to, but entire albums that you can enjoy front to back without pausing or skipping: a musical experience wherein each successive song’s mottled riffs and bewildering charisma are pleasantly startling.
In a firework-style display of their intrinsic love for nostalgia and even deeper passion to make the past feel fresh, Van Goat release the toe-tapping “Pickle.” With the spirit of a honky tonk soiree, the honed yet laidback nature of punk, and the warmth of lo-fi, the band pieces together a face-melting display of their infectiousness and fearless creativity. “Pickle” embodies the intricacies of Van Goat’s sound, not that the band’s diverse sound was ever in question, but this new single shines a whole new light on the band’s artistry. With a simplistic arrangement that miraculously feels chaotic and danceable, and a rejuvenating vocal performance, the band found the sweet spot between honoring tradition and pushing their limits. Immediately upon pressing play, you are thrown into a cacophony of twangy undertones, blaring brass, and ankle-snapping tempos. “Pickle” seamlessly enters the room and changes the atmosphere, pushing and pulling the listener through a colorful display of Van Goat’s raw prowess and inviting everyone to let go and move to the blistering tempos.
