Friday 19/01/07 Goose @ Cargo, London

Like a very well known brand of wood stain, Goose do exactly what it says on the tin. No ****ing messing around. Playing after the tuneful, very interesting yet ultimately wooden antics of Metronomy (complete with those cringe-inducing choreographed robotic arm movements), the hyperactive Belgians step up on stage at 1am and pummel Cargo with 45 minutes of rave-fuelled havoc. There’s no catch, there’s no deeper meaning to their art - simply Goose are the ultimate party catalyst and not a person is left standing still or unabsorbed by their vivacious energy.

Album and live set opener ‘Black Glove’ kick starts proceedings emphatically. Amidst the electronic clamour and throbbing bass, vocalist Mikael Karkouse boisterously lubricates the crowd, repeatedly blasting  “Are we ready to party? Are we ready to have fun?” Corny it may be, but it ****ing works perfectly and the front man’s almost juvenile enthusiasm can’t fail to bring a smile to your face. Never wavering it’s a lesson in explosive energy as the Mikael kicks around the stage, rolls out more beguiling clichés ("Can we have some bass?! Can we have some drums?!”) delivering such electro-indie classics as ‘British Mode’ with verve and oomph. Later, they blast through an abrasive version of ‘Bring It On Down’, while the set undoubted climaxes with a sprawling, elongated version of ‘Low Mode’ complete with extra bass dirtiness.

Some may idly compare Goose to their fellow countrymen and chums Soulwax, but really they’re much more than that. Playing with a steely determination and reading the audience’s needs perfectly, what on record sounds great, in the live arena becomes essential.