Good Old War gives Chicagoans something to be thankful for this holiday

November 24, 2010, at the Vic

By Chris Davies
Published: November 26th, 2010 | 7:00am

What surprised me most about Good Old War’s live set, after hearing both their studio albums, is how rhythmically oriented their music is. Fans most likely identify the band by their acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies, but to see them live is to discover a new dimension to their music.

When the Pennsylvania-based trio took to the stage at the Vic Theater in Chicago on Black Wednesday, it seemed likely many in the crowd were unsure who these woolly gentlemen were, but the audience—seemingly in attendance for Joshua Radin—picked up on the energy and lightheartedness of Good Old War immediately.

Lead singer Keith Goodwin didn’t spend too much time pandering to the crowd, instead letting the music win over new fans. He moved a bit like a monkey on stage, bouncing to the intricate rhythms Tim Arnold was creating, yet even with all that movement, their sound was spot-on. Driven by the jaunty beat, each voice and guitar rang true to the songs, and by the end of their set, many in attendance were asking their neighbors the name of the band they just saw.

Headliner Joshua Radin performed his Ray LaMontagne meets Matt Nathanson sound with great precision but a lack of energy, with pointless banter between each song describing in detail how it was written. Though he endeared himself to the crowd with his tales, at least once during his set an audience member urged the singer to just play his music rather than talk.

His stage set up resembled a thrift store with an array of rugs, lamps, and a record player creating an antiquated aesthetic. The set matched the mood of Radin’s set—a bit melancholic and slow, yet generally pleasing. Most of the audience came as fans of Radin’s, but Good Old War undoubtedly made the best impression on Chicago and certainly gave the crowd something to be thankful for the next day.

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Good Old War official site

Good Old War MySpace page

Sargent House Records