Concert Captures: GoGo Penguin

THE GIG: GoGo Penguin

THE PLACE: Thalia Hall, Chicago Illinois

THE DATE: May 7, 2023

GoGo Penguin is one of my favorite bands of the 21st century, along with We Lost the Sea, Bent Knee, and Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree.

If you were to call me obsessed with their music, it would be hard for me to argue. Because I pretty much am! They’ve taken jazz to an interesting place. While honoring the traditions of old, this British trio also brings a modern influence, adding influences like Radiohead and Aphex Twin to their mix.

At times, it seems like their music is being spun by a DJ. What sounds like studio trickery is all the more exciting when you see them pull the sound off live.

Speaking of which, it was “third time’s the charm” for me when it came to seeing these guys in person. The first time I was too exhausted to make the trip from St. Louis (where I’m pretty sure they’ve never played) to Chicago. The second chance was ruined by the pandemic. Finally, after moving to Chicago, GoGo Penguin and I found ourselves in the same place at the same time.

As usual, I was able to make my way to the very front, where I could lean against the stage. The band sounded fantastic even if they were just a little loud. The jazz band definitely brought a rock mentality to the stage.

It always comforts me to know that there are other people just as obsessed with a band as I am. But we’re still able to catch the show in an intimate setting. Thalia Hall did a great job of housing both the band and its sound. It still amazes me to hear a trio take up so much musical space!

The lighting wasn’t exactly geared toward photography, but that didn’t really matter. I was too captivated by the music to worry about taking pictures!

Still, while going through my archives, I found a couple of shots I like. So, here they are.

GoGo Penguin is not the most animated band in the world. They just sit or stand where they are and play. So, the shots taken by my iPhone are pretty similar. But that doesn’t stop me from enjoying them.