Gogol Bordello, the American punk rock band from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, was formed in 1999 by musicians worldwide and is known for theatrical stage shows and persistent touring hit Boston’s Roadrunner this past weekend. Inspired by Romani and Ukrainian music mixed with punk and dub, the eclectic band features lead vocalist Eugene Hutz, Sergey Ryabtsev on violin, guitarist Leo Mintek, bassist Gill Alexandre, Korey Kingston on drums, Erica Mancini on accordion, and the multi-instrumentalist and infectious hype-man Pedro Erazo.
The nomadic gypsy-punk collective stormed onto the stage on the second of two shows (11/2/24) with an infectious energy that immediately captivated the audience. Their performance was always a whirlwind of sound, movement, and raw emotion. Their intense performance was a testament to their decades-long dedication to pushing the boundaries of music and performance art.
The raucous set started with “Sacred Darling,” a high-octane anthem that set the tone for the night. The band’s signature blend of punk, Romani, and Ukrainian folk music was fully displayed. Eugene Hutz’s charismatic vocals and the band’s tight musicianship drove the song to a frenzied climax. Following the opening number, Gogol Bordello delved deeper into their extensive catalog, performing tracks like “Never Young Again” and “Wonderlust King.” The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between frenetic punk rock and more introspective moments was evident as they effortlessly shifted gears between them.
In the middle portion of the set, the band turned up the heat with “Companjera” and “Dance Round Fire.” These high-energy anthems had the crowd jumping, dancing, and singing along. The band’s stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing, with Hutz’s wild antics and the musicians’ frenetic energy creating a chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere.
Gogol Bordello dialed it back as the set progressed with “Sun is on My Side” and “Start Wearing Purple.” The band went full tilt, showcasing their music’s more subdued and melodic side. These songs provided a much-needed respite from the relentless energy of the previous tracks, allowing the audience to catch their breath before the final onslaught.
The grand finale of the show was a truly unforgettable moment. Gogol Bordello invited special guest Amanda Palmer to join them on stage for a devilish rendition of Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds’ “Red Right Hand.” The collaboration between these two iconic performers was a match made in musical heaven, and the resulting performance was both haunting and exhilarating.
In conclusion, Gogol Bordello’s concert was a sensory overload, a whirlwind of sound, movement, and emotion. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles and create a truly unique and unforgettable live experience is a testament to their talent and creativity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, Gogol Bordello’s live shows are an absolute must-see.
