Good Dear Good

In Halifax, the adage “When It Rains, It Pours” is commonly uttered when it comes to shows, as there is only so much time available in a night. This was the case on January 31st, as Good Dear Good headlined a show at the Seahorse Tavern with a fantastic supporting lineup, the conflict being that USS was performing down the road on the same night. Fortunately, I was able to make it back to the Seahorse in time to catch the tail end of Mat Hughes’ set (which I need to see more of), and was able to hit up the merch table before Good Dear Good hit the stage. Before leaving home, my teenage daughter tasked me with picking her up a copy of the band’s EP sook. With CD in hand, I made my way through the packed Seahorse tavern to stake a claim at the edge of the stage.

Maisie Gilbert

This show was a celebration of Maisie Gilbert, who was making her final Good Dear Good appearance as she was moving on to her next project.  Opening the show was none other than Maisie on the iconic red touch-tone phone, reprising the opening track “Say Hi (902-518-0399)”.  The band has honed their sound into infectious ear candy, which is as hook-laden as your nearest tackle box.  A track such as “Coffee & Sunshine” (from the band’s 2023 effort Arrival) demonstrates their ability to lodge a tune in your ear that you will find yourself humming long after the show has wrapped. The set ping-ponged between the band’s 2023 EP Arrival and 2025’s sook, and this collection of cuts from both of these recordings demonstrates a confidence and poise that not many acts possess.

It was also apparent by the number of people jammed into the Seahorse Tavern that Good Dear Good has established a solid following, which should find the band taking up residence on stages much bigger than the Seahorse Tavern.  While Maisie will be missed, Tim, Brandon, Heather and Connor will hopefully forge ahead and continue to make these dazzling pieces of infectious indie-pop. You can bet this writer will be looking forward to the next Good Dear Good release. Thanks to the band, who, after the show, signed the CD liner notes, helping me earn some cool dad points. See you all at the next show.

Good Dear Good