Gang Gang Dance Live at Governor's Island (8.12.2010)

Gang Gang Dance is a band that I've been a fan of for the past few years, but it seems that they've struggled to find the audience and success that similar bands have. 2008's Saint Dymphna was similar in many ways to Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion, but received a fraction of the critical acclaim and listeners. We got a chance to catch them opening for The Walkmen and Grizzly Bear at Governor's Island this summer.

We were both really excited to have the chance to see Gang Gang again since we had previously caught them headlining a show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. At Williamsburg the crowd was really into the show, with just about everyone dancing and enjoying the beat heavy music. This time, the crowd didn't seem to be feeling it as much. I think it was pretty much a result of the crowd being more into the Grizzly Bear/Walkmen vibe than the world music/electronic mashup that is Gang Gang. The other issue, I think, is that people lost focus in the lengthy jams rather than letting themselves get into a groove.

Regardless, GGD put on a good set of music. They played a three song set highlighted, for me anyway, by Chinese High, a near 10 minute jam featuring the jingle from the old TV show Taxi Cab. The songs are drum and rhythm heavy, punctured by pulsating synth notes and the voice of lead singer Liz Bougatsos. In addition, the band was joined by Animal Collective friend Brad Truax (aka Rev Green and Braddax) on bass. Beyond seeing GGD, this show was also a chance for us to test out the recorder at Governor's Island.

We weren't really sure how it would come out, and since we were seeing (and recording) Panda Bear at the same venue soon after it was a good chance for a test run. We set ourselves up near the front-middle portion of the crowd to try and get the best sound possible. We were planning on recording Grizzly Bear, but it there was a torrential downpour during their set. Neither of us are big Walkmen fans, so we didn't record or take any pictures of them.

A quick thank you to Tongs About Love on Collected Animals for helping us EQ the set. Enjoy the music and pictures!

Grizzly Bear:

Download the live recording HERE (password=twosails)


Set List:

1) Adult Goth/ Bond

2) Chinese High

3) Mind Killer/Kou-da-ley

**"Bond," usually thought of to be an extended outro for "Adult Goth" has been featured on the Japanese release of Eye Contact as a bonus track.  Additionally, "Kou-da-ley" is another unreleased track that follows "Mindkilla"

Chinese High:

Full size photographs HERE