On Simple Sucker, Gooseberry explores what it means to be the perfect fool in today’s world. “There are songs where we’re poking fun at people for being fools; fools in love; fools who think they can impart wisdom for change; fools ourselves, longing to return to days gone by.” Across the album, the band turns a wry, self-aware lens on bigotry, fear, arrogance, nostalgia, and obliviousness, pairing irony-laced, shout-along hooks with explosive guitars to highlight the absurdity – and humanity – of it all. Gooseberry’s sophomore effort is impressively crafted and well-polished, bringing a swaggering, riff-driven edge to their take on modern alternative rock.