Music / )2 Academy
Review: Gogol Bordello, O2 Academy Bristol
With the energy of a pack of prize-winning greyhounds bolting out of the trap, Gogol Bordello erupted onto the 02 Academy stage in a whirlwind of orchestrated mayhem as if they had been scratching at the stage door in rabid anticipation for hours.
They didn’t let up for the entire duration. They ran, screamed, jumped, sweated, drank red wine, spilt red wine, slipped over in red wine and jumped some more. The band’s energy was infectious and the audience returned fire with ample vigour, with neither party breaking for a breath.
Eugene Hütz and co. displayed stratospheric levels of musicianship as the Gogol Bordello tank charged through an extensive back catalogue which included old favourites Start Wearing Purple and Alcohol. The telepathic understanding between the nine members on stage, a product of the band’s epochal touring experience, and huge amount of natural chemistry reaffirmed that Gogol Bordello are best served hot, sweaty and live on stage.
is needed now More than ever
In the handwritten statement on their website, these joyous genre-melders proclaim to be on a quest to create a “…neo-optimistic communal movement towards new sources of authentic energy.”
From the perpetual smile on the wise face of Sergey Ryabtsev (violin/vocals), to the multiple bows and gestures of genuine appreciation as the house lights came up, this performance could not have been more authentic, and I fully believe that if it weren’t for the 11pm curfew, they would have carried on until their bodies gave out.
Gogol Bordello burnt the rule book and spent the evening dancing round the glowing embers, and I had the privilege of basking in the warmth of the flames alongside an especially enthused sect of their loyal fans. Everyone must go and see them.
Gogol Bordello, O2 Academy Bristol, Tuesday, June 4
Read more: The week in Jazz July 3-8
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