WERS 88.9 fm - Album Review: Gogol Bordello - Live From Axis Mundi

October 21^st, 2009

"Troubadours are coming, troubadours are here, their word is fire, their sound is a spear…" Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello is on a mission to start a gypsy punk revolt. Well on their way, the band released a live CD and DVD, "Live From Axis Mundi" on October 6, 2009. The CD contains live recordings from BBC sessions and a few original demos. The DVD contains the taped show as well as extra footage and music videos. Gogol Bordello is a unique band where it is imperative to see them live, even if it's just on a DVD. Their live show will give anyone a new level of appreciation for their music. The raw energy and chaos they exude is a key component to their music, and must be experienced.

Live from New York City, home to many of the members, Gogol Bordello played a 2 ½ hour set for the recording. The group looks almost as remarkable as they sound, dressed in gypsy garb with a hint of punk, surrounded by the spontaneity and chaos of their performance. 9 musicians, 13 nationalities, 8 instruments and 5 voicestear up the stage of every show, having almost as much fun—if not more—as the audience. "It's simply gypsy-jazz time," Eugene announces before breaking into the song "Mishto!" a song written entirely in Romani, representing their love for their heritage. The most memorable tracks on the DVD are "Wonderlust King", "Think Locally, F*** Globally," and of course, the showstopper, "Start Wearing Purple," which they built up for a long time until the audience literally erupted into song.

The amount of energy this band exhibits during a performance is incomprehensible. They can barely stay on the stage itself; Eugene climbs onto the giant PA system with his guitar, throwing himself onto the shoulders of the security guard, and shoving the microphone into the fans faces so they can sing. Dancer and percussionist Pamela Jintana Racine gives her marching band bass drum to the audience so she can drum and dance while they hold it, and her, up.

The recordings of this release is literally the essence of Gogol Bordello. It represents all that they hold true: living life and playing music the most fantastic way possible.

-By Teresa Garigen