BLOODY PANDA ARE BLOODY BORING

I’ve heard a lot of smart people with opinions I respect sing the praises of Bloody Panda, and I just do not get it. I saw them live once and they bored me to tears – and that was while I was high. Do you know how bad you have to be to bore me when I’m stoned? I could stare at my own foot for at least a solid hour if you get me high enough. But Bloody Panda made me wanna go sit through The Sorrow and the Pity again.

A friend at the show with me that night put it best: “They perpetually sound like they’re just about to start the song.” It’s true. Their music is all atmospheric build-up without rockin’ release. And their gimmick – band dudes in executioners’ hoods, Asian lead singer chick conveniently visible to attract those afflicted with Yellow Fever – gets real old real fast.

The band has a new album, Summon, coming out August 25 on Profound Lore, and Stereogum is hosting an mp3 of a new track, “Sacades II.” Listen to it here, then come back and tell me if you agree that these guys (and girl) are the aural equivalent of NyQuil or if I need to open my ears.

-AR