**The Album Reviews published on Dying Scene are written and submitted by regular users of the site. These users are not professional music critics nor are they paid for what they write. If you disagree with an album’s rating, feel free to voice your opinion and give it your own rating in the comments. If you’d like to submit your own review do it here.
I don’t know why I didn’t review Gogol Bordello‘s latest album “Trans-Continental Hustle” earlier, because it truly is a gem of the folk-punk genre.
Drawing inspiration from frontman Eugene Hutz’s life in Brazil, this album continues to ad to the immigrant theme of the Gogol Bordello tapestry. While maybe a little more conservative and a little less diverse than their previous studio release, “Super Taranta!” (2007), this album lacks no gusto whatsoever.
On first listening, I considered the first track, Pala Tute, a weak opener. Not to say it’s a bad song by any means, but rather, it just lacks the energy to be an effective introduction to the album. However, it has been growing on me. Track 2, My Comanjera, might have been more punchy.
I really enjoyed the mellow tracks of this album: Sun On My Side and When Universes Collide. The soft strumming of minor acoustic classical guitars really stood out as a beauty to me.
However, this album doesn’t lack it’s upbeat moments. Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher) was a return to Gogol Bordello’s punkier roots, sending a powerful message to the powers that be. Break The Spell falls into that line of songs, as well.
All in all, if you’re looking for a powerful album that will give you a worldly music experience, check out this release by gypsy punk sensation Gogol Bordello. I have no qualms in calling this release the best Folk Punk album of 2009.