Wanderlust Kings: Gogol Bordello

Map It  U Street-Cardozo 

LOOKING AT THE MEMBERS of Gypsy-punkers Gogol Bordello is like looking at Disney's "It's a Small World" attraction with a better soundtrack. The seven musicians and two dancers hail from Ukraine, Ethiopia, Russia, Israel, the United States, China and Thailand.

Explaining the group's multi-ethnic sound and make-up, bassist Thomas Gobena said, "We all come from different backgrounds and influences, though the basic music is Eastern European influenced. We grew up listening to different things — pop music to reggae — and we bring our own influences in our lives. ... It's a very natural progression that makes this music work."

Gogol Bordello's most recent CD, "Super Taranta!" (Side One Dummy), is a seamless extension of the band's previous releases but it's also a stronger and more cohesive album. "It's the same sound Gogol Bordello had for years; it's just to the next level," Gobena explained. "Everything is performed or produced better, and the songwriting is stronger."

"Super Taranta!" boasts a number of robust tunes, ranging from the lurching, cymbal-heavy and multilingual "Ultimate" to the focused and melodic "Wonderlust King," which features one of most effective uses of the accordion in modern rock music. Belting indecipherable lyrics over the harmonious landscape is bandleader Eugene Hutz, whose passionate delivery resonates regardless of what language he's singing in.

As powerful as Gogol Bordello's recordings might be, however, its raucous live shows seal the deal for fans and neophytes alike. They're not just concerts; they're bombastic theatrical performances with more energy than even Iggy Pop could manage. Flanked by the dancer-acrobats, Hutz is a manic ball of fire.

"We have incredible fans that love us so much and we love them so much back," Gobena said. "We perform to the highest level and we get the same energy back from the crowd. ... There are no boundaries — just perform, just give it your honest feeling. That is what should come out every time."

Even offstage, Hutz brings his distinctive mug and fearless energy to other projects. Already a movie star in his own right for his role in the 2005 film "Everything Is Illuminated," Hutz just finished acting in Madonna's forthcoming directorial debut, the short film "Filth and Wisdom." And though Hutz dresses in drag for the flick, one hopes his 'stache remains.

» 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; with DJ Skratchy, Wed., 7:30 p.m., $25; 202-265-0930. (U St.-Cardozo)

Written by Express contributor Katherine Silkaitis

Photos courtesy Gogol Bordello