Album of the Week: Gogol Bordello – Seekers and Finders

It doesn’t happen as often as it should, but it’s enjoyable to see a band constantly progressing and adding to their sound with each album. Their discography becomes a time trip with each release giving a different vibe. Gyspy punks Gogol Bordello change things up with brilliant consistency. Original elements are preserved as new elements are incorporated. The band’s seventh studio album Seekers and Finders to be released Aug 25 via Cooking Vinyl shows that in multiple ways.

Musically, the album goes more towards the folk and acoustic route with electric guitars amping up the energy. Frontman Eugene Hutz maintains his political style of lyricism while reflecting on the current administration in the White House. He specifically examines their stance on immigration from his own perspective as an immigrant moving from his native Ukraine to the United States in the ‘90s. The album melds klezmer, polka, punk and dub. Ashley Tobias also has a bigger presence on vocals; at times she is the main focus of a song while mostly backing up Hutz.

The word “visionary” risks becoming old and tired due to idiots trying to associate themselves with it, and because of that I hate to use it. That said, it’s the best way to describe the reaches Gogol Bordello has achieved with their music. They have an uncanny style that brings a lot to the forefront. Let’s dive through that style and more with my top tracks off of the Album of the Week:

“Walking on the Burning Coal” has a post-punk essence while Sergey Ryabtsev’s violin rings in the chorus in stunning fashion. Going back to the band’s punk roots is “Saboteur Blues” with rhythmic emphasis and dynamic intensity; it’s also an instance where Racine contributes on backing vocals to add another artistic dimension. Another energetic shredder is “Break into Your Higher Self” – there’s a distinct loud-quiet-loud structure that builds up the chorus with immense vigor.

Gogol Bordello is just beginning a North American tour that will move to Europe in November, including shows at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, on Aug 20 and Riot Fest in Chicago, IL, on Sep 16. New Englanders have the opportunity to check out one of the craziest live bands on the planet at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston with two shows on Sep 20 and 21. While you’re at a show, grab a copy of Seekers and Finders. It’s a pristine record that’ll put your nerves in a stir.

Gogol Bordello web site: gogolbordello.com