The Gotan Project

Globe-traversing tango tune-semesters The Gotan Project are a multi-coloured flare exploding in the humid night sky, out amongst islands of exotic want and wonderment. The Swiss/French/Argentine contingent, based in Paris but alluding to music of the world beyond, manifest tonight as a ten-piece on the Shepherd’s Bush Empire stage, turning the regal but rigid venue into a lusty landscape of dusty dance-halls abroad.

As Cristina Vilallonga’s sultry vocals ascend upon set opener ‘Diferente’, the London crowd sway and smoulder like smoke dancing off a beach party bonfire. The last time this reviewer was in the venue, indie-mumblers The Strokes were boring the lives out of onlookers, who’d have thought The Gotan Project could transform the venue so swiftly. It’s like a holiday without the leaky bathroom, sunburn and crap building works taking place at the hotel next door. Bonza!

As ‘Amor Porteòo’ brings down the tempo, lovers embrace and piss-heads frown thinking of their ex-wives. Things soon pick up as the deep house beats prevail and projections of Argentinean rap-duo Koxmoz engulf the screen for their hip-hop collaboration, ‘Mi Confesión’.

As their encore gives way to wild, erratic violin and piano solos, the crowd cheer with amazement as they somehow find a way to meld in an arrangement of Michael Jackson’s never-fail crowd pleaser, ‘Billie Jean’.

One of the best gigs The Empire has had on for some time, it’s just a shame that on leaving the venue you’re so soon again faced with the litter strewn streets of Shepherd’s Bush. I’m going to save up for a proper holiday.

FUTURE GIGS

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