Gogol Bordello - Pura Vida Conspiracy (Album Review)
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Written by Gavin Rees
Can you have too much of a good thing? In the case of Gogol Bordello, maybe not. The kings of Gypsy punk are back with their sixth studio album, 'Pura Vida Conspiracy', and it's emphatically more of the same: street punk, accordion flourishes and incisive lyrics from Eugene Hütz.
The band established their formula on 'Voi-La Intruder' back in 1999 and they haven't strayed too far from that path since, choosing to incorporate new ideas and influences into their existing patchwork quilt of sounds rather than strike out in a new direction.
On 'Trans-Continental Hustle' Hütz's relocation to Brazil inspired the band to dip their toes into new waters, while on its follow-up – recorded in El Paso – they have added elements of Mariachi to the mix on Malandrino and Dig Deep Enough.
At different stages the band also tackle reggae and their own brand of ramshackle folk on album closer We Shall Sail, but their greatest strength remains their ability to pen anthemic, foot-stomping protest songs.
Hütz continues to sketch the idea of a global community throughout, and hits the mark on We Rise Again. The album's first track is also its best by some distance, and does a fine job of distilling Gogol Bordello's lingering appeal into three and a half minutes.
Raging guitars and drums battle for space with accordion and Hütz's acoustic, while the double-barrelled chorus is the highlight of 'PuraVida Conspiracy'. “Borders are scars on the face of the planet,” Hütz howls.
The track has fine back up in Lost Innocent World, with its charging chorus and jagged violin, and Name Your Ship, two songs that provide a strong backbone for the record at the midway point and have all the hallmarks of future live favourites.
With Amen and Gypsy Auto Pilot there are raucous singalongs to be had as the album canters to its conclusion, but they can't quite prevent the final throes from being a tad underwhelming. Hieroglyph, while an interesting construct, and We Shall Sail rein in the momentum with a more introspective sound that just doesn't fit Gogol Bordello all that well.
Nevertheless, if you're approaching 'PuraVida Conspiracy' as a fan, you'll know what to expect and will have another fistful of favourites to lose your mind to the next time Gogol Bordello roll into town. They'll always be an acquired taste, but once you've had a bite it's hard not to go back for more.
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