Reggae music isn’t strictly limited to Jamaica, Hawai’i or California, especially with Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performing for the masses. For the better part of six years, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s live performance has defined the band, while growing their fan base, one show at a time. Touring relentlessly, the east coast-based group continues to thrive off of their passion to reinterpret, explore, and expand the band’s music night after night. And now, it is certain that Giant Panda continues to expand their music, without taking a break from performing or recording.
Upon releasing their debut album Slow Down in 2006, 
G.P.G.D.S has been on a voyage to spread their psychedelic reggae rock sound ever since. Fast forward, six-years later, and Giant Panda will be releasing their first electric studio album since their debut record. The upcoming album, In These Times, was mixed by Atlanta-based producer Billy Hume (Nas, STS9, Ludacris, Josh Ritter), and dubbed by the band’s long-time engineer Joel Scanlon.
In These Times, which is set for a April 10th release date, consists of 12-tracks, tapping into a variety of emotions and themes, from the feel good, sing along vibe of “Change You,” to the political anthem known simply as “Pockets.” For the song “All Night Music,” Hawaii’s The Green assisted with the backing vocals, as well as bringing in John Brown’s Body’s horn section for two tracks called “Next Best Explosion” and “Healing”.
This is not the first time we have heard from G.P.G.D.S. in 2012, it has already been a stellar year, as the lyrically-driven, banjo-featuring album titled Country hit stores on January 31st. Going from a “gorgeous collection of Americana ditties, to the album that long-time Panda fans have been waiting for,” according to drummer Chris O’Brian, fans are receiving a double dose of the Giant Panda’s music.
Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad is currently on tour throughout the summer months. Mainly, the dates are east coast friendly, but G.P.G.D.S. will make its way to the Rocky Mountains for a very special April 20th show at City Hall in Denver, Colorado. With two studio albums released in the past four months, fans will be overflowing with plenty of new songs for their live performances.
Giant Panda’s Upcoming Tour Dates:
March 22 @ Putnam Den, Saratoga Springs, NY
March 23 @ Higher Ground Showcase Lounge, Burlington, VT
March 24 @ Port City Music Hall, Portland, ME
March 31 @ Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
April 10 @ Acoustic Live Streaming House Concert, Worldwide
April 20th @ City Hall “Incredibowl’s 420 Extravaganja”. Denver, CO
April 27th @ Tralf Music Hall. Buffalo, NY
April 28th @ Suny New Paltz. “Rock Against Racism”. (FREE). New Paltz, NY
May 3rd @ Pearl Street Ballroom. Northampton, MA
May 4th @ Brass Lantern. Reading, PA
May 05 @ Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn, NY
May 6th @ Mojo Main. Newark, DE
May 10th @ Grog Shop. Cleveland Heights, OH
May 11 @ Martyrs, Chicago, IL
May 12 @ Martyrs, Chicago, IL
May 17th @ Middle East Downstairs. Boston, MA
May 25th @ The Stone Church. Newmarket, NH
May 26th @ StrangeCreek Campout. Greenfield, MA
July 13-14 @ Camp Euforia, Lone Tree, IA
Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Links:
Giant Panda Website
Giant Panda Facebook
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Article By: Kris Siuta