Golden Panda
With over a discography spanning 13 years, Gold Panda has achieved an eclectic musical career that few can achieve. On a short run of UK shows in support of his recently released fourth album “The Work”, Gold Panda blessed Norwich with his smooth flowing sun-shiny ambient electronic beats giving us a slice of much needed tropical escapism on a dark and gloomy night.
The Work serves as a reflective chapter in Essex producer Derwin Decker’s (Gold Panda’s) life, delivering East Asian esq percussion laden over thudding beats. It is perfect for the spectacle of a live performance allowing him to showcase diverse soundscapes that spur on the crowd.
He begins the evening easing the crowd in with more low-tempo melodies, with many shyly bobbing along at a distance. As the set progresses the velocity increases, backed by dizzyingly bright visuals projected onto the stage featuring the artists’ endearing running toast man logo.
Fuelled by a few pints, and the irresistible energy of some mega-fans bouncing away, eventually the crowd gives in to the irresistible vibrant tunes. The showstopper of the night is hit single “You” (which I’m personally familiar with sampled in Charli XCX deep cut, You (HaHaHa) ) that gets the room jumping.
The gradual progression of the set feels symbolic of Gold Panda’s vision with his music. Each of his records has come out at a momentous occasion in his life, and now being in his 40s with young daughters, his music evokes a sense of warming humbleness. We all go through phases of being a little slow and quiet but spurred on by other’s we’re all capable of giving into the euphoria of community spirit.
