The album Going Nowhere Fast by Loose Goose is just the kind of record that comes about when a band has a lot on their minds and wants to get those thoughts out. This four-member group from The Gold Coast takes the intense energy of alternative rock and shapes it into something darker, louder and more restlessly paced. Although an influence from old surf rock can still be detected in the band’s makeup, these nine tracks have a much heavier and more straightforward feel. The guitars play a major role in the album, and large choruses give the songs a good deal of impact. Cameron Lockwood’s production maintains a rough edge without making the record sound disordered. The band’s live energy is evident in the way the songs are arranged, as if they were intended to be performed in a crowded room with people shouting the lyrics back. At the same time, the album doesn’t remain at a single emotional level; it shifts between anger, loneliness, frustration, sadness and total chaos. “Achilles Heel” makes a strong opening statement by expressing frustration towards the music industry and thus gives the album at once a clear purpose. “Sneezy” takes a more personal approach, looking at the process of getting older, abandoned ambitions and the uncomfortable idea of wondering where your younger dreams have gone. Then there is “Hot Coffee”, which stands out due to its driving guitars and massive chorus; the song gains emotional depth from its focus on male loneliness.
The song called “Distance” attracted my attention for the simplicity of its concept. There’s a deeply painful familiarity in seeing someone who used to be a regular part of your daily life reduce themselves to just photos on your phone. This kind of topic doesn’t require complicated lyrics in order to have a strong impact. “See You (Every Night)” provides the album with a much-needed shift in mood by getting rid of a lot of the distortion and allowing the more sensitive side of the band to emerge. I appreciate that Loose Goose choose to slow down here, since it makes the louder tracks sound even more powerful when they come back. “Bulls in the Arena” brings back the sense of frustration, this time with a heavier impact, concentrating on judgement and the pressure involved in trying to succeed in music. “Scumbags & Warlords” takes that frustration outside the music industry and questions why doing the right thing can at times seem pointless when bad behaviour is apparently rewarded. Even the album title matches this atmosphere; Going Nowhere Fast sounds as if you’re stuck while all around you are moving on. The songs address breakups, burnout, loneliness, ageing, pressure, lost dreams, and the moment when you should stop holding on to things. This gives the record a true emotional core. These are not songs attempting to make it seem as though everything is all right; they sound as if a band is genuinely working through its problems in real time.
Loose Goose then open the doors completely with “Bolivian Boogie Sugar”; the song is wild, unpredictable and designed for a room full of people losing their minds. Following the more serious moments earlier in the album, this final track seems to be the band deciding to stop overthinking and just go with the chaos. That contrast is effective. Going Nowhere Fast is ideal for people who like energetic alternative rock with strong guitar playing, big hooks and lyrics that address real frustrations. Those who enjoy Cage The Elephant, Wunderhorse and Inhaler should find plenty to like here, although Loose Goose still have their own distinct sound. I would play this album during a late-night drive when you need something loud, or before going to a gig when you want your energy boosted. It’s also suitable when you’re feeling frustrated and want music that reflects your mood rather than music that tries to calm you. The greatest strength of the record is its honesty. Loose Goose sound as if they are four musicians working things out, making noise, laughing at the chaos and not hiding the uncomfortable aspects. Even though the album is about feeling stuck, it has a strong sense of movement. It’s loud, rough, emotional and at times completely out of control. Most importantly, it sounds as if the band is genuinely having a good time making music on their own terms.
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