Rochester, NY’s own Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, hereby referred to as GPGDS, (for obvious reasons) has steadily built a name for themselves among the East Coast reggae circuit, due to their relentless touring, dating back to their inception in 2004. 

The group’s latest studio album, Steady, is set to drop on September 30th, marking the band’s debut on heavyweight reggae label Easy Star Records. 

The majority of these songs were recorded back in 2013, with notable reggae producer (and drummer of 10 Ft. Ganja Plant) Craig Welsch, of whom is credited as co-producer.  Two other tracks were recorded after these sessions and later added to the album, including the title-track which was co-produced by Danny Kalb (The Green), and live show favorite “Mr. Cop”, recorded with Matt Saccuccimorano (John Brown’s Body).

In comparison to GPGDS’s two previous albums Country and In These Times, Steady seems to be an amalgamation of the two because it so beautifully blends the distinctive characteristics that made each prior album so unique. On Country, the band set aside the electric guitars, electing instead for a raw, stripped-down sound full of heartfelt Americana, folk and (dare I say) country-esque tunes. On In These Times, we heard the band make a return to their original dub reggae roots, using contemplative songwriting that focused on deeper subjects such as war, wealth inequality and physical well-being.

Steady successfully incorporates the best of both these worlds. In particular, long-time fan favorite “.45” is a stand out, as it begins with a ripping harmonica intro and then is peppered throughout by tasty, bluesy guitar licks, incredibly funky, vintage organs and infectious, frantic vocals courtesy of bassist-singer James Searl.  Harmonica and steel-lap guitar played by organ/keyboard player Aaron Lipp (who has since been replaced by Tony Gallichio), as well as banjo and piano played by guitarist-singer Dan Keller also make appearances on tracks like “Home” and “Not the Fool”. 

While many of these songs maintain a slower, uplifting and mellow vibe to them, make no mistake – GPGDS’s traditional roots-reggae and trademark dub sound is in full-effect on this album.  For instance, “Take Your Place” is a classic roots-reggae tune that combines simple organs, palm-muted guitars and vocal harmonies led by guitarist-vocalist Dylan Savage complemented by the recognizable, wild scatting and embellishing of legendary Jamaican toaster “Ranking Joe” Jackson. 

“Mr. Cop” is another live show hit that was later added to the album, and with good reason.  The song is anchored by drummer Chris O’Brian’s hard-hitting rimshots and tight, in-the-pocket drumming, with additional tasty percussion played by Bryan “Bongo’ Davis.  Mix in an undeniably heavy organ melody and soulful vocal harmonies, and this track shines as much more than just your average “reggae marijuana anthem”.

 

All in all, Steady is one of GPGDS’s most polished and cohesive albums to date.  When asked about the new album, bassist-singer James Searl noted, “This is without a doubt the best sounding record we’ve ever made,” adding, “But it’s also the most consistently solid set of songwriting we’ve done to date.” 

I have to agree with Mr. Searl here. If anything, Steady cements GPGDS as one of the most innovative and genre-pushing reggae bands out there.  I’m incredibly excited to see where they go with their highly-anticipated sequel to Country, Bright Days, which is set to be released in early 2015.   

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is currently touring the West Coast with label-mates Easy Star All-Stars. Check out GPGDS’s website livepanda.com for tour dates and to pre-order Steady. 

-Mark McGwin