New album, LIVE UP!, is a selection of high-quality, previously unreleased live recordings, hand picked by Rochester NY’s psychedelic reggae road warriors Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad (GPGDS). The independently released album’s 11 tracks were selected from five different concerts in 2008 and 2009.
GPGDS has played 500 shows in the past three years, touring relentlessly and developing a widespread grassroots following. The group has performed at premier venues and festivals across the U.S. including Red Rocks and Rothbury. LIVE UP! exemplifies the tight musicianship and dynamic live show experience Giant Panda is known for. The album was produced and mixed by the band’s sound engineer and show archivist Joel Scanlon. It complements their debut studio release Slow Down (2006).
LIVE UP! is the closing statement of Giant Panda’s former six-piece lineup, as they are now forging ahead as a quartet.
"The reality of this band is that we’re always evolving – musically, spiritually, and within our own circle," says GPGDS bassist James Searl. "LIVE UP! documents the sound and chemistry that six people shared with each other and crowds around the nation. We’re excited about the future as a quartet, and eager to explore new territories."
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is currently on tour in their vegetable-oil fueled van and has already begun working on material for a new studio album.