Originally posted at My Old Kentucky Blog on July 8, 2008:
Seeing as how A, the debut album from Gangi, has been out since April, I feel a little funny about such an untimely “Get It Get With It.” Better late than never though, so on I go. Gangi is hands down one of the most exciting new bands I’ve heard all year. With a whirlwind of folk and pop music that echos the psychedelia and lyrical imagery-creating capabilities of Destroyer with the subtle playfulness of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Gangi has created something as unique as it is original – pushing beyond their influences and, instead, become influential. For a little proof, check out “Animals,” the most playful track taken from the marvelous A. Listeners beware – you will find yourself uncontrollably humming this tune over and over for an unmeasurable amount of time.
The band consists of singer/songwriter Matt Gangi and his loyal companion, Lyle Nesse, whom, together, blend an array of instrumentation which has grown to include African drums, saxophone, and samples taken from news sources like the New York Times and the Environmental Protection Agency. From his apartment in Brooklyn, Matt took the DIY approach in every way, performing, producing, recording, and self-releasing the album himself. Since then, they’ve garnered praise for their CMJ performance, become a staple on west coast radio stations, and played the first annual Manimal Festival with the likes of Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti and Hecuba. Perhaps most exciting, however, is their inclusion on Manimal Vinyl’s upcoming Cure tribute album ‘Perfect As Cats,’ on which you’ll hear their take of Fire In Cairo. The tribute album, which is planned for sometime in the fall, goes to support Invisible Childrenand will also feature contributors like Blonde Redhead, The Dandy Warhols, Ariel Pink, and Bat For Lashes, among many others.
Gangi recently finished up a U.S. tour which resulted in some professionally filmed concert and behind the scenes footage; more on that and the Cure tune as they surface. Californians, in the meantime, can check out the band live at the following locations.
7/26 – Los Angeles, California – Troubadour
8/16 – Los Angeles, California – Spaceland
8/31 – Los Angeles, California – Tangier (w/ Silver Summit & Winter Flowers)
9/1 – San Francisco, California – The Knockout (w/ Silver Summit)
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