An Act of Love: Giant Panda Are The Heart & Soul of This “Country”

“ I wanna love you, and not be taken for granted. It's my country too.
” Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad's 'Country' For over a decade, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad have been combining expert musicianship and a fiercely independent spirit to create compelling, original roots reggae music. They’ve weathered lineup changes and logged thousands of miles out on the American road, all the while nurturing a sound that is as organic and authentic as the band-members’ own soft spirituality. On their newest album Country, Giant Panda unplug the dub machines and pour out their souls on a special collection of songs that reveal the true heart of this band. It is acoustic roots music at its finest, and it amounts to a major statement of purpose from a group who truly embody the spirit of their music.

“ Gotta get movin' because the movement's been slow.
” Kids In The Square. Country is not an overtly political album, but it succeeds in exploring many of the issues facing Americans today. As economic uncertainty and skepticism about political leaders bubble above and below the surface of our civil society, artists of all stripes are trying to capture the moment in their work. “Kids In The Square” succeeds in painting a picture of this moment in time, referencing the young people gathered in protest in town squares all around the world, without overtly referring to Occupy or any other specific movement. Lyrics like “…gotta get movin’ because the movement’s been slow…” provide soft support for the protesters, without preaching their message.

“Far Away” is relatable on a really personal level. Anyone who’s been in love can relate to the pain and longing that develops when distance separates two lovers. Touring musicians like GPGDS, always out on the road, must be no stranger to these feelings. In this particular song, the singer yearns for a lover who will understand his need to travel long distances, and say “Go where you want to go, as long as you come back home.”

All of the songs on Country deserve mention here as each makes a statement, whether about the band, their spirituality, or the state of affairs today. At least two of the songs, “Country” and “Love You More,” have been part of Giant Panda’s live repertoire for some time. Here the songs are laid bare, stripped of the dub and synths of the reggae versions, and played as they were at their conception (likely in the back of the van, cruising from one gig to the next). Bassist James Searl explains in the album’s liner notes that this is how all GPGDS songs are born: on acoustic guitars and often in transit.

Giant Panda are: Chris O’Brian, James Searl, Dylan Savage, Aaron Lipp and Dan Keller. Searl, Savage and Keller trade off on lead vocals, with all members contributing backup singing. GPGDS membership has fluctuated over the years, but this five-piece is now the solid core of the band and all signs point towards a long tenure for the current lineup. Country represents a new high point in the band’s career; it is not an overstatement to call this record the “soul” of Giant Panda. Their own words say it best, as in this quote from the album’s liner notes:

“The recording of this album was the most natural experience that we’ve ever had making music together. All of our songs are born on acoustic guitars. We play them for comfort and we play them for joy… We’re so happy to present this experience to you in a way that will keep for eternity… We are the product of our environment and the times we are living through. We are in this together. Love you forever. Forever grateful…”

The full track listing for Country is as follows:

1. Sunshine
2. Far Away
3. Country
4. Get Me Through
5. Kids In The Square
6. Healing
7. In These Times
8. New Speedway Boogie (Grateful Dead)
9. Love You More
10. All Night Music