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Innovative sound feels strained
Eugene Hütz’s belligerent snarl has never been particularly easy on the ears, and when paired with Gogol Bordello’s hodgepodge of punk and traditional Eastern European influences, it’s often downright bizarre. On Trans-Continental Hustle, the group’s fifth full-length album—and first major-label release—this aggressive weirdness isn’t tempered in the slightest.
From the outset, the band dares you to stomach a freakish amalgam of maniacal instrumentals and tempestuous beats without any apparent regard for aesthetic development; in opener “Pala Tute,” Hütz greets listeners with Slavic folk guitars, a vigorous beat and a thick Ukranian accent, yet hurriedly rushes into that all-too-familiar hostility and ostentation that comprises the rest of the album. It seems Gogol Bordello is still stubbornly clutching for the inventiveness of earlier records like Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike and Super Taranta! without truly progressing, leaving us with a Rick Rubin-adorned imitation of their visionary past work.
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"a freakish amalgam of maniacal instrumentals"
sounds like guitars, drums, accordion and violin to me.
"Pretentious, hostile, ostentatious". Best describes this reviewer. This record is brilliant. Rick Rubin's subtle touches (in concentrating more on acoustic, and less electric guitar)only embellish what was great about GB already. I'll bet the farm that this is one of the best reviewed albums of the year.
This reviewer obviously does not know much about basic music theory. This album has many island influences and time signatures not heard on any other Gogol album. Also electric guitars take a step back on this album in comparison to Super Taranta (which no one would ever declare "earlier work" in terms of their career.) I also love when reviewers mention the lack of progression on albums... I doubt they will say that about the new Hold Steady which is the exact same formula that band has followed since day one.