Gogol Bordello

Gogol Bordello

Since the release of their sixth studio album Pura Vida Conspiracy, Gogol Bordello has been touring the world. Gogol’s front man Eugene Hütz plays guitar while belting lyrics that speak to his own life experiences of different cultures, immigration, and traveling. On past albums the Ukrainian born artist demonstrated his strong political rage in songs like Immigraniada, but he also adds humor with tracks like Start Wearing Purple and American Wedding. Hütz discusses the change into the album Pura Vida Conspiracy. He explains that, “This album in particular is more about human potential, there is something that I have that I am not using, where is it? And why is nobody reaching it except very few people?” He continues to say that, “Music is just a way of exploring your human potential. “ 

Audiences that are familiar with Gogol Bordello’s music know the band is accustomed to melding many genres: everything from gypsy punk to reggae and dub. One thing that Gogol Bordello fans can get a true taste for on Pura Vida Conspiracy is the influences of Latin and Balkan music coming together. Malandrino is one track off the album that depicts this genre fusion especially well. The melody starts off slowly with a romantic Spanish guitar which by the chorus turns into a frenetic Balkan gypsy punk. Although the combination of Latin and Balkan music is rather uncommon, it quickly realizes itself as a contagious transformation from Gogol Bordello’s already established sound of immigrant punk.

Gogol Bordello continues to play concerts that last two hours long. From beginning to end Gogol Bordello’s performance is one huge cabaret fully charged with energy. There exists a transformative inspirational soul in their sound that you will not be able to fully realize unless you catch them live. If you’re ready to witness a wickedly heart pounding and show-stopping performance, then do not miss them when they play Culture Room on March 11 and 12.

~Brittany Curtis