REGGAE: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (11/25)
Choice Concerts
Rochester City Newspaper
11-18-09
By Frank De Blase
It makes sense that a band known not only for the quantity (500 in the last three years) but the quality of its shows would sound best on record if it's live. Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad's new "Live Up" is a collection of 11 songs mined from five live concerts recorded in 2008 and 2009. This also marks the end of the Rochester band's sextet work, as it has slimmed down to a leaner, meaner quartet. GPGDS' take on the one drop is much freer and compelling than the stock, drawn-out groove a lot of hippies throw in when tackling reggae. Sure, it jams, but the Squad members go to the far reaches of their instruments, and your mind.
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad plays Wednesday, November 25, 9 p.m. at Water Street Music Hall, 204 N Water St. $17-$20. 325-5600.
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