We Say…
The Gooms are a Los Angeles-based indie-rock quartet. After emerging with a series of demos back in 2017, they took their first steps into studio recordings with 2018’s EP, With an M. Now some two years later, the band are gearing up for the imminent release of their debut album, Laugh, out at the end of next month.
So far, the band have shared two offerings from Laugh the wonderful I’m Judy Garland, and their most recent offering, Free Sweaters? Fantastic! Discussing the track, The Gooms have suggested it’s a track about, “slowly, but surely unraveling in the face of deciding which version of ourselves we want to be today”. To the band’s trademark blend of upbeat indie-punk melodies and darkly humorous lyricism, the track charts a downward spiral out of control, “as if the brain is moving faster than the mouth”. The Gooms ability to combine an energetic almost silly exterior with a hidden exploration of the human psyche is what causes them to shine above the crowd – life can be tough, and that’s just one more reason to make sure it’s an enjoyable as it possible can be. The Gooms know that and now we do too.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who are The Gooms
Los Angeles based “garage rock band with a side of hugs” is our usual label of choice, but really we’re just 4 goobers with instruments who can’t sit still.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
The first true Gooms show with all four of us squeezed on stage was at a small dive bar about 30 minutes outside LA. There were maybe 9 or 10 people there, mostly made up of the other bands and a few family members. The guy who booked us was named Balls–he was a real sweetheart. We had only 5 songs in our repertoire so we ended up filling the space by playing “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend, which to our surprise we totally nailed–so much so that we got all 10 cheers for an “encore.” Since we had run out of our own material we decided to close with “Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies, a song we had never played together before let alone some of us even at all. Needless to say, we did NOT nail it. This show was the first time we had ever played live with bass, and honestly, we don’t know how we ever got away with it before that.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
It’s hard to say! We certainly have interests in all types of art forms that have directly influenced our music and how we approach writing. Music just happens to be where we feel most comfortable expressing ourselves. Where it comes from often feels like a mystery, but it’s better not to ask too many questions.
FTR: What can people expect from The Gooms’ live show
When we’re able to see you one day! It’s usually a fun, energetic, dancy, goofy, sweat fest with lots of good and bad jokes, weird faces, and the occasional and unironic drop of a microphone.
FTR: What’s next for The Gooms?
Our first full-length album “Laugh.” will be available on July 24th, and we plan on touring once it’s safe to play live again. Until then we’ll continue to livestream shows, write new tunes, and try to get Lizzo to follow us on Instagram.
They Listen To…
Squid – Houseplants
Perfume Genius – On The Floor
Childish Gambino – Feels Like Summer
Childish Gambino · Feels Like Summer
Willie Nelson – Blue Skies
Summer Canibals – Full Of It
Laugh is out July 24th. Click HERE for more information on The Gooms.
For The Rabbits 