We’ve been getting emails about this show left right and center (FURTHER PROOF that tips@brightestyoungthings.com works, and will continue to work, so you should use it) so, for better or worse, here is WHY YOU SHOULD NOT MISS The Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad at The Space This weekend (aside from the a. awesome name and b. a recommendation from Robbie from Le Loup which pegged them “as such a REAL band its not even funny”)
- Formed in 2001, this Rochester, New York based group has made a name for themselves through hard work on the road. The sextet plays an eclectic blend of roots reggae, dub, and afrobeat, with just the right mix of dark and light to keep you on your toes. Impeccable musicianship and an explosive live show have gained G.P.G.D.S. national acclaim.
- Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad played 180 shows in 2007, including a three week stint in Jamaica. In November they performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), to a crowd of 2,000 people. Thanks to their aggressive touring schedule and dynamic sound, G.P.G.D.S. has developed an extensive following.
- Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has shared the stage with reggae greats Toots And The Maytals, The Wailers, Lee Scratch Perry, Morgan Heritage, Yellowman, The Meditations, Don Carlos, Mad Professor, and Edi Fitzroy. They’ve been joined on stage by members of Brazilian Girls, Thievery Corporation, Umphrey’s McGee, John Brown’s Body, and String Cheese Incident.
- Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performs at numerous festivals this year including Wakarusa, Mountain Jam, GrassRoots, Floyd Fest, and Up North Festival. They recently completed a 35-city spring national tour, including 11 west coast dates.
“This is some of the most intense roots reggae we’ve ever heard…”
- Metro Pulse, Knoxville
“…heavy, air-tight dub and roots reggae pressure…”
- Washington Post
“…a viable contributor to the modern reggae movement.”
- Metro Santa Cruz
and finally… because sounds are worth more than words: Here is a soundboard recording of Easy Way Out, performed live on 2-23-08 at Dulcinea’s 100th Monkey in Denver, CO
The Space is a little compact for a sprawling roots reggae band, but Giant Panda delivered (as always) right up ’til 2:57. Don’t know where ya got it, but that ’s a hot hot pic of Dubious (in the shades)…
August 17, 2008 at 9:53 pmare you sidwell grad alex clifford?? This is Marc…we caught up after the show.
August 18, 2008 at 12:26 pmBYT needs a “missed connections” section.
August 18, 2008 at 1:13 pmIf Alex is who I think he is, we used to ride carpool together in middle school.
August 19, 2008 at 10:35 am
I am a huge reggae head and always skeptical of reggae that is not Jamaican, but these dudes are top notch. SOLID roots.
August 17, 2008 at 8:47 pm