There's a feeling I get when I listen to great music for the first time. It's this sensation that starts in my abdomen and shoots up my spine sending tingles throughout my body. As this feeling intensifies an odd state of euphoria takes over. If it's a really great record, I almost feel like I'm going to cry. There's nothing like it in the world. I think everyone has their own version of this. However, it may not be as intense (re: weird) as mine. Luckily for us, there's been a ton of records of the above-mentioned quality coming out lately. Currently my new obsession is Gorilla Angreb.
The band hails from Denmark and is a mix-match of current and ex members of tons of rad Danish bands. They've been getting a lot of attention in the underground rags here in the US for quite some time, but the records were kind of hard to track down. To cut to the chase, Gorilla Angreb is awesome!
The band's dual male/female vocals at times sound like the vocal tracks off of an old X LP, but all the while retain their own vibe. The lyrics themselves are entirely in Danish, but they don't lose any impact. In fact, the language barrier helps add to the overall character of the songs.
Musically the band covers a lot of ground. The drumming is intricate but never too much, with lots of rad percussive elements. The bass lines are much the same, and the fluidity between bass and drums is truly impressive. Though, when they do "go off" it adds a lot of melody to the already driving rhythm.
Guitar is played clean, mostly bashing out chords that contribute to the over all percussive attack of the band's sound. What makes them unique are the bits of single-note leads that help to accentuate the surf undertones present in the songs. Think DK more than Dick Dale. While all the band's records are great, the new 12" Bedre Tider really captures what the band sound like live. As an added onus, the CD has all of their EPs on it too!
Philly was blessed with four Gorilla Angreb shows in under a week! I missed the first, a matinee at the Trocadero Theatre, but caught the later show at a bike shop in West Philly. It seemed like everyone in crowd was dancing and having a great time! And by dancing I don't not mean moshing. We're talking bouncing around and enjoying yourself! Unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, but I had it ready for the next two shows.
The third show was a gig at the First Unitarian Church with Subhumans and Signal Lost. Gorilla Angreb were playing most of the East Coast dates with Subhumans. I might get it for this, but I've got to say it was a nice change hearing them through a real PA! The show was a blast with a lot of people hearing the band for the first time and digging it. Afterwards Signal Lost and Gorilla Angreb decided to play a second time that night at a house in West Philly. The kids at the house (The Stabbin' Cabin) we're getting evicted in 10 days and wanted to go out with a bang.
Crammed into the corner of the basement, Gorilla Angreb unleashed their best set yet. I know they must have been tired but they gave it their all. Lots of between-song banter and crowd interaction ("Springbreak 2006! WooooOOO!"). Jasper (from Citizen Fish) grabbed my camera and took some pics in-between shaking his ass up front! Everyone was just having a blast! I even tried to sing along in Danish!!
Okay, this is getting way too long so I'll finish up quickly. I love this band and you will too! The new record is out in the US on Feral Ward. Get it or pose!
Band Site: www.myspace.com/gorillaangreb