By: Martin Bradesca, Contributor

[Partisan Records, 2024]

Rating: 8/10

Key Tracks: “The Rolling Stones,” “Cancer of the Skull,” “0$”

After a historical tour run opening for bands such as King Gizzard and Greta Van Fleet in 2024, as well as a critically and fan-acclaimed album 3D Country in 2023, Geese frontman Cameron Winter had all the reason to settle down and take stock of his accomplishments. But the young singer, still in his early 20s, has found creative heights many artists twice his age strive to reach on his 2024 album Heavy Metal.

Attempting to completely separate himself from the raucous hard rock of Geese, Winter strips down his songwriting to its essential elements. His choice to play all the instruments on the album despite his difference in ability adds an air of authenticity to the project. The instrumentation to this point is kept minimal, with each song dominated by one primary instrument, either acoustic guitar or piano. Drums, if used at all, are very minimally placed, which allows for the focus to remain on the song itself. 

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Often vocally compared to the likes of Julian Casablancas, Mick Jagger and even Gene Ween, Winter proves he cannot be categorized with his low, intimate stylings more similar to a Leonard Cohen. Winter blends classic singer songwriter and acoustic pop stylings with his signature over the top vocals, manic energy and eccentric lyricism to create one of the most interesting releases of 2024. 

Heavy Metal is preceded by two singles, “Vines” and “Take It With You”, which were left off the album as they bore more of a country inspiration than the rest of the album. Despite this, both singles are still worth checking out. Another single that did land on the album, is the wacky yet endearing “0$,” which feels like an extremely earnest manic episode turned religious sermon.

Thematically, the album explores Winter’s adolescence, expectations of his music, existential dread and the difficulties of being a touring musician. The first track “The Rolling Stones” focuses on Winter’s relentless spirit to keep making something new and interesting: “I will keep breaking cups until my left hand looks wrong/Until my miracle drugs write the miracle song.” Winter combines his feelings of debt toward his influences and the fear of what comes with success. He sings, “Like Brian Jones I was born to swim/towards a month ago, towards The Rolling Stones.” 

Brian Jones, a founding member of the titular band, famously drowned in a swimming pool at the height of the band’s popularity. The rest of the album is marked by similar existential quips. 

Winter flexes his lyrical prowess and songwriting talents on standout track: “Cancer of the Skull.” The tracks’ clever lyrics lay on a bed of plunky instrumentation, making the crushing remarks about being a working musician a bit easier to swallow. 

The album’s instrumental height arrives with the song “Nina + Field of Cops.” The black sheep of the tracklist, frantic pianos and chaotic horns perfectly underscore the pure insanity in Winter’s voice as he screams he will “fight entire fields of cops.” While this manic spew of lyrics may feel more at home on a rowdy Geese record, its presence here among softer ballads offers a refreshing change of pace.

First appearing as a free download off his website, “0$”, is perhaps the most memorable cut from the album. The tune begins with a melancholic refrain: “You’re making me feel like a dollar in your hand”. Softly lilting pianos and tinkly detuned guitars bring up the backdrop as soaring harmonies turn the ballad into a religious hymn. As if receiving divine inspiration, Winter suddenly claims that “God is Real!” He continues to rant about his certainty of belief as the music fades out to a solemn instrumental break.

Heavy Metal is a refreshing take on the singer-songwriter genre, somehow managing to be experimental while remaining authentic and accessible. Winter’s voice throughout ranges from extremely earnest to sarcastic to insane. If you don’t believe what he says, you are at least compelled to listen.

Listen here:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/7mOrnQqDad3RgYQsJGaaqk?utm_source=generator