Super Taranta - Gogol Bordello > Reviews > Gypsy Punks' Ecstatic Return

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Plenty of fun to be had
Disadvantages:	Lengthy and at times alienating

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

For those unfortunate enough to have never heard of Gogol Bordello, let me introduce you. Formed on the Lower East Side of New York back in 1999, the self proclaimed ‘gypsy punk’ band are made up of migrants from Eastern Europe. They play wild gypsy music with an urgency and passion likeable to The Clash. Their amazing energy is best heard live, where singer Eugene Hutz takes every opportunity to surf his bass drum over the crowd.

They are certainly not the ‘new kids on the block’, Super Taranta! being their fifth studio album. The band ethic is that they want to bring gypsy music to the westernised world, and it is not a futile cause after their recent success with album Underdog World Strike and the song for which they are best known, Start Wearing Purple.

Ultimate is the fitting title track, and really encompasses the bands’ live for today outlook, “there are no good old days/they are today/they are tomorrow” chants Hutz. Their boom-crack, boom-crack rhythms make a welcome return and swirling accordions state that Gogol Bordello have not abandoned the sound that has so far served them well.

You can feel the chants of Wonderlust King already imprinting themselves on your brain before Zina-Marina enters, rather menacingly. It is here where we begin to see how Gogol Bordello have progressed. They prove that their past formula is not their only source, as a shuffling beat and chugging guitars are employed here to already give the record variation.

The album really gains momentum with Supertheory Of Supereverything, however, “First time I have read the bible/It had struck me as unwitty/I think it might start a rumour/That the Lord ain’t got no humour”. Gogol Bordello are here for a party, and anyone in their way will not be missed!

Half way through the album, though, and Gogol Bordello begin to turn into their own enemy. Grabbing though their style is, it can be fatiguing, especially on fresh ears. Songs start to melt into each other, but the thrashing Forces Of Victory wakes you up with its blend of break-neck speed and intricate breakdowns. Slow-burning lament Alcohol adds another colour to the Bordello palette.

“Have you ever been to American Wedding?/Where is the vodka, where is marinated Herring?” is the opening of American Wedding, a hilarious knock at the, in the opinion of Gogol Bordello, boring celebratory traditions of the west. Then they show us all how a party should climax with the album closer that lends its name to the album title, Super Taranta! itself.

Gogol Bordello have really come on in leaps and bounds musically since their last outing, and all for the better. This band is the hottest circus around and I would sincerely recommend that you make an effort to catch them live. Although the album does clock in at over an hour long, each track has enough catchy mantras to keep the party alive for weeks. Super Taranta! may tire some first time listeners, but give it some dedication and this record will reward you no end.