The Very Good Agency

A White dude, a Black dude and an Asian dude walk into a bar… this could be the start of a bad joke, but if their names are Newman, Maanumental and Chikaramanga you might be lucky enough to have spotted the elusive Giant Panda. This underground trio from LA are specialists in feel-good, positive hip hop (think Ugly Duckling or J5.) Their latest album ‘Electric Laser’ continues the old school, sample laden revelry of their first full release, 2005’s Fly School Reunion, however this time around they have added some new elements to their arsenal.

Nothing on ‘Electric Laser’ quite utilises the raw, heavy bass and dirty drums found on ‘Fly School’ tracks Sho’ Improve and Just Cause, rather GP have added a more zappy electro current without losing the ability to make songs that are instantly appealing and have you nodding your head like nobody’s business. This album also proves they are equally comfortable on subtle, lounging tracks, none better than AIM that showcases Maanumental’s awesome undulating flow and clever rhymes and the laid-back rhythm is continued on Let it Go. Being rather multi-cultural, Giant Panda often like to poke fun at the different stereotypes associated with each of their races. You really must listen to Racist on ‘Fly School’ to fully appreciate new tracks like Precise Calculator which features a pretty cool Chikaramanga rap in Japanese. It’s also nice to get a taste of some dope scratching which I haven’t heard a lot of in other recent releases. Things get a bit more serious on Pop in which Newman expresses his concerns over the prevalence of homophobia in hip hop, and life in general, in particular the issues his dad faced after admitting he was gay later on in life. Predominantly the album stays on the lighter side of life, to the point where tracks like Laser Ray and Do the Robot in Cyberspace could be labelled a little gimmicky. The album even features a smooth song for the ladies in Cinemax.

La Bloquera (Giant Panda+Thes One) – Shine On

‘Fly School Reunion’ is a hard act to follow but GP signal their intent with ‘Electric Laser’ to keep creating music that is fun and reflects their passions and influences from comic books to coffee, graffiti to gadgets. This is best showcased in the ironically titled Same Old Shit, which is anything but. I would liked to have heard a little more grime on this album but you can’t really complain with what else they have provided. Giant Panda have developed their rapping prowess to display a greater range of tempo from their traditional fast-paced blitz to a cruisy lilt and proven they are no shrinking violets. It seems Newman, Maanumental and Chikaramanga have once again produced a truly worthwhile album that is sure never to hibernate in your collection.

You can check out more of Giant Panda at:

www.myspace.com/giantpanda

Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website