Rob's Album Of The Week: Gogol Bordello's Pura Vida Conspiracy

by Rob Duguay

The quintessential gypsy punks, Gogol Bordello has been taking the world by storm since their formation in New York City during the late 1990's as a result of a group of musicians from all parts of the globe getting together in New York City to play music that they absolutely love. Led by the Ukrainian wildman Eugene Hütz on lead vocals and guitar, the band's message of cultural revolution and self-liberation is something that anyone from any walk of life can get behind on. Speaking of things you can get behind on, Gogol Bordello's new album Pura Vida Conspiracy just came out yesterday and it exudes the sheer intensity and infectious energy that fans all over have come to endear. The album definitely has that party vibe while at the same time showing a band who are never afraid to up the ante and get all kinds of crazy.

In case you were wondering, they still have those dancing rhythms that will instantly make you into a one-person mosh pit and thunderous choruses that truly take over your soul. Pura Vida Conspiracy is a testament to Gogol Bordello's relentless way of creating a raucous atmosphere. It makes you wonder how after a little long than a decade these guys haven't lost a beat, they haven't burned out and it looks as if they won't be losing their way anytime soon. If you'd read this blog before, then you already know that I always enjoy a band making a superb effort to capture the essence of their live performances on a record. Gogol Bordello have always done that and Pura Vida Conspiracy is no different.

The look is different but this section of my Album Of The Week blog never changes, it's that time again where I tell you my highly recommended tracks. It's fairly obvious that I love Gogol Bordello's Pura Vida Conspiracy so choosing my favorite songs off of it took a lot of soul-searching, an introspective view of my musical taste and a lot of joyous tension put on my eardrums. Ok, probably not that deep but you know where I'm getting at. Anyways and like always, here goes something:

"We Rise Again" gives me a feel that this song was written solely for the purpose of performing it during a block party in the middle of a worldwide riot in the streets. "Dig Deep Enough" could be the most motivational song to come out so far in 2013, if you don't feel like taking on the planet after giving this one a listen then I don't know what will. "Lost Innocent World" has the impression that it's Eugene's observant look at the power that mainstream capitalism has on humanity's vices and war between nations, the lyric "Where did you go? I bet you had a price" definitely speaks to me. "John The Conqueror" gives a nostalgic sense of old-school rock & roll, the chorus should have the likes of Bob Dylan and Neil Young giving an endless amount of praise. I know that I only named a few, but you have no excuse to overlook the rest. Any track off of Pura Vida Conspiracy you give a listen is bound to put you in a state of excitement and vigor.

Gogol Bordello put on one of the best shows I've ever seen at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence this past Sunday as part of their tour in support of the new album. If you're in the Mid-Atlantic region, they'll be playing FloydFest in Floyd, VA this Thursday on June 25th with the likes of Spirit Family Reunion, Langhorne Slim & The Law and The Lumineers so you better go. If you haven't seen Gogol Bordello live then I suggest you do, it'll be an experience you'll cherish for a lifetime. What you'll also cherish for a lifetime is their new album Pura Vida Conspiracy, grab a copy of it and indulge.