Ukraine, Russia, Israel, the USA, Ethiopia, Thailand, Scotland... The international New York group founded in 1999 by the former Kyivite Evgen Hudz, "Gogol Bordello" already with its very existence brightly reminds that the Earth is round, and all path lead to the top of Meru. Sure, if one follows these paths... During the recent years, Gogol Bordello has become, probably, one of the most popular eccentric bands in the entire world – while it plays not quite, so to speak, commercial music. Though, on the other hand, in these songs so much is mixed that the definition "gipsy ska-punk" does not convey even a half of it. It is a mixture of colors from such a number of cultures that literally millions of people can hear – and they do hear, gladly – in this music something of theirs, native. Authentic... And it is mixed in such a cool, talented way that the mixture can easily please even those who have never heard about Gogol Bordello (strangely enough), and believe that "ska-punk" is a definition of something brutal. Because the key feature of music by Gogol Bordello, without regard to all definitions, is not simply some thoughtless reckless drive, but – deep lyrical force... ...do you feel the difference?
Anton Jozhik Leyba (Hedgehog)
