‘Pura Vida Conspiracy’ is a cracking firey album following in the usual upbeat dramatical style that Gogol Bordello are famous for. If you haven’t already heard of these gypsy punk rockers, you’re in for a super sweet treat. These guys have been together for a smashing fourteen years and have played at some of the biggest festivals across the world including Download, Warped Tour, Coachella, and Reading and Leeds – just to name a few. They are known for their spectacular energetic wild live shows; even Rolling Stone hyped them as “the world’s most riotous live band”.
This is the long awaited sixth studio album released by Gogol Bordello, and it certainly isn’t a disappointment. ‘Pura Vida Conspiracy’ is unique, powerful, cheery, and will certainly have you on your tootsies dancing.
It has a wild introduction with ‘We Rise Again’, a powerful fast-paced hit that is truly superb. The track is innovative, creative and has a western style with country style riffs and violins. The melody and chorus is super catchy, you really can’t help but want to dance along! The vocals are strong and powerful, but extremely distinctive. You will never hear a band like this one, they cleverly dabble with so many different music elements, and it’s a whirlwind of clashing instruments and different styles.
‘Dig Deep Enough’ is the stand out track; it begins with a playful accordion instrumental that transitions into a fast-paced rock extravaganza. The tune cleverly switches from fast-paced heavy riffs and drums, to a captivating upbeat chorus that has a wonderful melody. The instrumental talent is simply exquisite; this speedy-paced catchy track is full of originality, innovation and diversity. ‘Gypsy Auto Pilot’ is an excellent buoyant theatrical track, with a punchy fast-paced beat and a dramatically beguiling chorus. The track features more excellent accordion and superb violin skills, with bold vocals.
One particular track that I personally fell in love with is ‘I Just Realized’, with its slow ambient poetic acoustic riffs and mesmerising lyrics that will tug on your heart strings; “I just realized that I’m dying to see you, and hear you all over again and again”. The track is graced with a Spanish influence, featuring the wonderful accordion and a playful melody.
You will simply never hear an album like it, Gogol Bordello has cleverly infused a wide variety of different musical elements, styles, genres and it really really works! The album transitions from upbeat wild rock, to ambient acoustic riffs and delightful playful tunes with a Spanish touch. Every single song is a creative delight that your ears will be ecstatic to hear. I highly recommend this album to anyone who fancies listening to something unique; gypsy punk rock we adore you!
5/5
‘Pura Vida Conspiracy’ by Gogol Bordello is available now on ATO Records/Casa Gogol Records.
Gogol Bordello links: Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Chantelle Kelly (@ChantelleKelly3)
