Blending punk, swing, ragtime, southern jazz and surf rock, Van Goat are an intriguing and exciting band from Oakland, USA.

By Graeme Smith

Their new single, Pickle, offers a stunning liveliness that combines classic song writing with modern edge. The attitude-laden vocals are the highlight, moving with ease from salty to sugary in a rollercoaster of a composition. All the while, the tempo never lets up, urging us to move along in a track with plenty of bite.

Vocalist and trombone player Lindsay Alexis says of the song: “there’s a special kind of absurdity you slip into when trying to reason with someone that keeps sending an argument in circles. The song was an exercise in poking fun at someone pushing you over the edge – as a way to sort of defang them, to maintain some semblance of sanity, and chemically negate the toxic after-effects.”

Joining her on the track are Aidan Ward, Derek Burle, Ben Einstein, and Taylor Moxon.

Pickle was recorded by Chris Nishimoto with additional Recording by Ben Einstein. It was mixed by Chris Hughes and mastered by Piper Payne at Neato Mastering.

The single is out now and you can give it a listen below.