Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad at the Bluebird Theater (REVIEW)
October 18, 2011 1 comment
I hit you guys with a little blurb last week about Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, or GPGDS if you’re lazy. The New York quintet (that means 5) just launched a massive cross-country tour, a co-bill with Hawaii’s The Green. Tour dates for the co-bill tour can be found here. I was able to check out a show this past Saturday night at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, CO. The Green is exactly who you’d think they are: a couple of big pacific-islanders with smooth voices who can really fill the stage (double entendre intended). I only managed to catch the last song or two by The Green, but they reminded a little bit of Katchafire (reggae band out of New Zealand). I’ve included a track by The Green, called Love & Affection.
Love & Affection by thegreen
But lets move on to GPGDS… I’ve been listening to these guys for the better part of a decade, and so expectations were high. I was not disappointed. Fun fact: GPGDS, as their name implies, began by playing “guerrilla”-like shows in parking lots and campgrounds at music festivals before hitting the road and touring relentlessly, including more than 500 shows in the last 3 years. Hit the jump for more and some downloads.
As jambase.com noted, “The five masterful musicians weave layers of complex music within a reggae framework and may be one of the most diverse bands in the genre.” GPGDS feeds off their crowd, and in turn, the crowd gives the band their all. Classified as “psychedelic roots reggae music” and like most reggae bands out there, GPGDS is heavily base-centric. But they really can’t be defined by one genre, and experimentation is pivotal to a GPGDS show. That was certainly the case on Saturday. I heard some awesome variations on some of my favorite songs. Have you ever been to a show and been sadly disappointed when it sounded just like a studio album? I’m lookin at you Jack Johnson (circa 2005 when it was still OK, please don’t judge me). Well GPGDS can improvise with the best of them and rocked a solid set with no breaks. You can tell they get really into their music. It’s a very refreshing atmosphere. They have the capability to extend any song and take the crowd with them as they experiment new sounds and bring their music to new heights.
Photo by Thomas Koppinger
Though all talented musicians, I really felt that the keyboardist, Aaron Lipp, held the whole thing together with his innovative hooks and solos. The sounds were dank all around, though. The highlight of the show for me was the song Burkina Faso (complete with extended jam). Unfortunately, I don’t have a video for you or audio from Saturday’s show, but check out the track above and snag the free downloads below, which includes a live version of Burkina Faso from George’s Majestic Lounge – Fayetteville, AR- March 31, 2010. Let us know what you think. Props to GPGDS for doin it big night after night.
I’ll leave you with this: the philosophy behind the band is that an electronic signal cannot create the same vibration as a real instrument, and so they travel with a vintage Hammond Organ, and other analog gear. “There’s no binary code going on in any of our music” explains bassist James Searl. “Actual vibrations send a much more specific sound wave to people’s bodies and ears. This affects them physiologically… analog makes a more direct communication.”
Photo by Thomas Koppinger
If you get the chance, go see a show. You won’t be disappointed. GPGDS goes hard. It’s impossible not to get sucked in. Like any live act knows, in order to have a successful show you have to get the crowd into it. GPGDS caters to their audience and really makes sure that the crowd stays focused and stays energized. They have such a wide range of musical talent that can speak to any member of the audience. Some of their songs might sound a bit subdued through your computer speakers (so I’ve been told), but whether or not you feel that way, their shows bring the energy. There’s nothing quite like a Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad blasting you with some smooth reggae jams. Hell, go see them play just because their band name is awesome. I’d definitely go out of my way to see them again. In the meantime, enjoy these downloads, courtesy of GPGDS.
Remember: I’m not a critic, I just review shit.
