To wrap up tonight’s hat-trick of understated beauties here is the Belfast’s very own Panda Kopanda (named after a 1970’s Japanese cartoon). The band somehow finds themselves label-less after the collapse of Howl Records but they shouldn’t be short of suitors if the ‘The Letting Go’ EP is anything to go by. Panda Kopanda present subtle melodies by way of Gavin Reid’s velvety indie-boy vocals and a backing band that are trying to redraft the jangly parts of ‘Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain’ all on their own. ‘If I Could Make You Happy’ is particularly precious, even if it initially sounds like Trio’s ‘Da Da Da’. Soon enough, however, it develops a premium set of shimmering riffs, a focused percussion and the general disposition of an encore classic. The cascading layers of musical melodrama that close the song are as inspired and life affirming as the story of Mimiko and her adoptive family. The band are about to release a new EP called ‘Ocean of Fire’ so adopt it asap. KD
Panda Kopanda – If I Could Make You Happy
More Info: Panda Kopanda
Buy Panda Kopanda’s: The Letting Go EP
Year: 2005
Get 50 FREE Music Downloads for your iPod® or any MP3 player!
Be First to Comment