Gangi literally blew Spaceland off earth with their set. Going back to the original arrangements of “Ground”, “Subject Positions ” and a rousing rendition of “Animals” that had Matt Gangi leaping around on the counter tops, they sounded great and powerful. Then they launched into an astounding version of the new song, “Gun Show” and it’s concussive beat which ultimately blew the sound out. It cut their set down to five songs, but each was delivered with such precision and passion, everyone in the very large crowd was impressed.

I waited around a little while, but it began to look like the sound was gone for the evening, so everyone politely cheered the band one more time and I made for the exit. I hope the Gangi boys aren’t too disappointed, and on the last night of their residency, because what they gave us was pure gold.

Gangi decided to cover their greatest hits in their original arrangements (or close… they never do the same thing twice) and it was great. Right up to the conclusion of their newest song, “Gun Show” which, with it’s concussive beat, blew out Spaceland’s sound system and effectively brought the evening to a close. At least for me. I never did find out if the last band went on.

Covering “Subject Positions”, “Animals” and “Commonplace Feathers”, Gangi got through about five songs, each one topping the one before, for a near-capacity crowd of fans. This band has a way of structuring their programs to build to a near-crescendo of noise, in this case, being the rendition of “Gun Show” which blew Spaceland off-Earth for a time.

Matt Gangi and Lyle Ness told me that with the residency over they will focus their attention on finishing up their next album. Based on the fact that their first album, A, was on my 10 Best Albums list last year, I’m looking forward to the new Gangi CD.

by Brad Roberts