Dizzy Balloon
Slim's - Dec 22, 2007
review by anna2913

Showmanship, musicianship, boundless energy, catchy danceable numbers, and a clever sense of humor...what more could you ask for? There’s no other word for it, this band is just fun.

Playing to a sizeable all-ages crowd at Slim’s, the five teenagers from Oakland filled the large stage easily with an impressive enthusiasm that spilled out over the receptive audience, all while staying firmly in command of their material. Radiating talent and the appearance of effortlessness, they were clearly having a great time.

Yes, they are very young, they look young, they act young - but they use this all to their advantage, combining youthful exuberance with confidence well beyond their years. Judging from the expert, cavalier handling of their instruments, they must have been playing since the fourth grade. There’s not a slacker in the bunch.

Not only that, they clearly know their music history. Whether borrowing obviously or throwing in a witty musical aside, they reference a broad spectrum of influences, and still manage to blend it all seamlessly with their own fresh sound. They did this so well, in fact, that I often had a strong sense that some tongue-in-cheek parody was going on.

It didn’t take much time before we were all won over, feeling like we were in on some terrific joke, dancing and laughing with them. It was such a good show that even Matthew Swanson of critically-acclaimed Minipop, the next band up, playfully expressed a reluctance to follow Panda’s act again.

Thanks to a heads up from Bandega, I quickly took the opportunity to see them again at Cafe du Nord on Jan 10th. The smaller stage and 21+ age limit were a more difficult fit for the band, but once they found their footing, they drew in the crowd and earned a good response with another energetic, appealing performance. This is a band from whom we can expect great things.

posted Jan 11, 2008
close window