Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad: Steady
Reggae is still the core of Rochester, N.Y.’s Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, though the band frequently jams itself into other genres. Despite incorporating elements of funk, dub and good-old rockand- roll music, Steady still manages to come off as one of the band’s most cohesive albums to date, and the group’s interplay clearly finds a new peak. It isn’t surprising, given that many of these songs, such as “Mr. Cop,” “45” and “Solution,” have long been performance staples. New tunes are tight as well as varied. The title track glides in all silky and smooth, as “Nice Feeling” goes classic ‘70s reggae—backing harmonies and all. “Wolf at the Door” floats on vintage ska-like organ fills, while “Take Your Place” enters the dance hall with guest toaster Ranking Joe. Once again, GPGDS is squarely in the groove.