Concert Review: Good Old War Inspire Peace At LPR
When you hear the name Good Old War, you seeming hear a paradox. There is seemingly nothing good to war, and, unfortunately, it does not get old. Yet, Good Old War played at Le Poisson Rouge, and reminded me a fact that even I ignore about war; humanity always rises to show its light when darkness comes to show its shade.
Bright, fun, and slightly rambunctious, Good Old War is like a group of kids uniting to pray to music. They bash their drums, guitars, tambourines, and even accordions as if the music teacher has left the room, and the kids opened up the instrument closet. Yet, that type of curiosity and giddiness for music does NOT diminish how spectacularly talented they are as musicians. On the contrary, their enthusiasm fuels their sound, and the capacity to make every song they play feel as if it were improvised on the spot. Tracks like, “Tell Me What You Want From Me”, “Amazing Eyes”, and “Part of Me” felt so fresh in sound, even to them, and made you forget that most of their songs are about asking a partner what they need or telling them what you need. In essence, for being music about needs, this group gives you what you want.
I cannot describe the joy of Good Old War. While many artists, understandably, hate performing or find it the hardest aspect of building their artistry, they cherish the opportunity to be communal and vulnerable all at once. They look at the crowd like they are a batch candy cubbies at Dylan’s Candy Bar. While most of us find the artist’s music edible, every cheer we gave, every laugh we had at one of their stories, and every lyric we sang alone was delicious to Good Old War. It was nice to witness an artist that loves every single aspect about music; not just the capacity to make it, but also its capacity to make others feel made. The “Head Maker” of it all being Keith Goodwin’s voice, and sweet, mellow resonance to Simon & Garfunkel.
I truly believe Simon & Garfunkel created Keith Goodwin and Good Old War. Similar to the acclaimed duo, this trio creates beautiful, thoughtful, and mellow music that ignites excitement. It is like a getting an adrenaline boost from a sleeping pill. You would never think that something that makes you mindful ignites your body and soul, but the mind is doorway to both. Goodwin’s vocals gently open that door like the right key, and Timothy Arnold’s voice is the perfect, harmonic lock. From “Loud Love” to “My Own Sinking Ship”, Good Old war make happiness infectious, and pensiveness a raucous. For More Information on Good Old War Click Here.
