I danced in a gang gang to the sound of Gang Gang Dance this weekend.  It was a top class show. I had repeatedly listened to their fourth album Saint Dymphna when it came out last year and at the time I was struck by  Gang Gang Dance’s genre defying sound. I was hoping that this sold out gig at the Hall of Williamsburg would shed some light on them so I could effectively pigeon hole them for this little review.

No clarity was shed and I was left feeling more confused. But happy nonetheless.

At the beginning of the gig I was struck by the Middle Eastern influence on their music. Then they moved on to songs from Saint Dymphna which reminded me why they have such an indie following. There were times when they sounded distinctly like !!! (pronounced chk-chk-chk). Next came one of the many new songs that they were testing. My favourite had an oriental feel to it. And then in the latter parts of the show I felt like I was at a Brazilian carnival!

Their music is both world music and other-worldly music. The band themselves look equally diverse with gypsy front woman Liz Bougatsos, a guitarist that looks like a slightly shady Spaniard, a fella on the keyboard/electrical gadgety things that could be the lost member of Goldie Looking Chain, and so on. You get the picture. They are a mixed bunch and so are their songs.

My favourite member of the band was the shaman ‘Bez’ who danced like a mad thing for the entirety of the gig. I had a great time and I am impressed by Gang Gang Dance’s talent, energy and diversity. Going to go buy all the preceding albums now.

Supporting Gang Gang Dance was DJ Rupture. A great DJ who spun an eclectic mix of tracks with a strong Indian influence with a cut-up style similar to dj Yoda. See him below: