As an opening act, Good Old War has learned that its music crosses boundaries. In addition to Guster and Ms. Krauss & Union Station, the group has opened for the indie band Dr. Dog and the pop singer Brandi Carlisle. Shortly after they came together in 2008, the three members were the openers for high-school friend Anthony Green, best known for his work with Circa Survive. At one gig, 500 people turned out to see Mr. Green; when Good Old War returned months later to the same venue, it drew 200 on its own. "They were screaming," Mr. Goodwin said of the audience.
To catch Good Old War in concert is to witness a joyful thing. At Coachella, it may have had the most unforgiving set time: Sunday at 11:30 a.m., following late-night appearances by Arcade Fire, Daedelus, DJ Markey and the Scissor Sisters. Under the desert sun, perhaps 100 people settled in the grass near the stage as Good Old War's harmonies rang out. The crowd grew and dancing ensued. At one point, the trio brought out Mr. Goodwin's father Bob to sing along. No matter that it was a new song the group hadn't practiced with him; since the band often rehearses at the senior Mr. Goodwin's home, much as it did when it was starting out, he knew the tune. Bob Goodwin, who had been in bands when he was younger, found the right spot for his voice. He beamed as he sang.
"Before we even asked him to come up, I started tearing up thinking of how he'd react," Keith Goodwin said.
Now that it's off the road for the summer, Good Old War is completing a new album it expects to release early next year. "We always get right back to work," Mr. Schwartz said.
Now that it's off the road for the summer, Good Old War is completing a new album it expects to release early next year. "We always get right back to work," Mr. Schwartz said.
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