GoGo PenguinWhat We Are and What We Are Meant to Be (XXIM)

The Slow Music Movement
May 21
1 min read

GoGo Penguin - What We Are and What We Are Meant to Be cover art.

GoGo Penguin are/were a jazz inclined trio with a smooth uptempo sound that floated so high it rather detached itself from the genre's roots in twentieth century earthly struggles. As a result I never quite clicked with them, the sound was just too gentrified somehow, but it seems like they're upping the electronics, bringing in some guests and I'm warming to them - never say never.

What immediately hits you is the muted, machine made kick drum that signals dance music intent and ushers in some distant ambient atmospherics, quickly followed by some big system minded low frequencies. Original fans shouldn't stress though those lovely warm, organic stand up bass tones from Nick Blacka are just around the corner, as are Chris Illingworth's familiar keys - shaped into a hypnotic, emotion stirring motif that would sound great to a festival crowd just as the sun is rising. The drums aren't all man made though Joh Scott is still playing his part on percussion and adding some live swing to the insistent 4/4 breaks and haunting atmospherics that drift in when they feel like it. This is cultured, jazz licked minimal dance music for the head as well as the hips that will also look great on stage and I like it. Bring on the album.