One of the most intense and frenetic acts around, Gogol Bordello are back with a new album full of furious gypsy punk, with all the snarling reckless abandon that has made them famous. Their furious take on world gypsy music draws a crowd whenever they’re in town; the mixture of violin, according, the occasional saxophone, and the bellowing full-band choruses make for an enthralling experience, and Seekers and Finders continues their in-your-face, hyperactive style.
Right from the get-go, the album establishes the blistering pace and theatrical flashiness one expects from Gogol Bordello. Lead singer Eugene Hütz confirms the carpe diem spirit of the album in a press release: “Not all seekers will be finders. Sort of our internal filter for pseudo spirituality which is nicely packaged these days just about on any f’kn corner. Living in the now vs. the past. Not giving a shi*t about things and just grabbing life by the balls. Are you a seeker or a finder?”
As is typical with Gogol Bordello, the music is rich in melodies that you just want to scream in a bar, replete with the occasional trumpet, and filled with dazzling violin and accordion leads that battle for attention and dance underneath Hütz’s instantly recognizable voice that always seems to be laughing. Much of the album’s themes have to do with living in the now, being present in your life and taking in everything you experience and informing yourself, and having a positive impact on the world.
I always recommend listening to albums straight through in one sitting, and at right around 38 minutes, this is a breathless, wild ride. Highlights definitely include the blazing “Seekers and Finders” which also features Regina Spektor, “Familia Bonfireball,” “If I Ever Get Home Before Dark,” and “Clearvoyance,” although as I mentioned earlier, it’s better listened to all at once.
Gogol Bordello are a band made up of citizens of the world, and their music tells their respective stories, all wrapped up in the chaotic, boisterous bombast of Eugene’s wild-eyed gusto. Catchy without being overbearing, dynamic and energetic, this is punk rock gypsy music from the underground of the world; the backroads of Ecuador, the streets of Ukraine, the subway in New York (some of Hütz’s recent abodes, he explained in an interview). Check out Seekers and Finders and feel the spirit of the world in this moment.
