Written by: Geoff Tischman

Listen, I have no idea how to end a year. And with the year we’ve had and the uncertain future that lies before us in 2025, I really don’t want to even think about it.

Gogol Bordello, on the other hand, know exactly how to end a year; the New York outfit stormed their way through the end of December with a holiday tour and their stop at the Capitol Theater was a high-powered blast of energetic stomp that made me forget about the world outside.

Led by the wildly charismatic Eugene Hütz, who may very well be one of the best frontmen to ever take the stage, Gogol ripped through their songbook, playing an assortment of tracks from albums like Solidaritine, and Seekers And Finders.

Accompanied by wicked players, including accordionist Erica Mancini, percussionist Pedro Erazo, bassist Gill Alexandre, violinist Sergey Ryabtsev and guitarist Leo Mintek, Gogol Bordello are a comforting reminder that musical velocity is the perfect balm for any ragged soul.

“Sacred Darling” and “Immigrant Punk” set the night’s dizzying pace, while “Hater Liquidator” and “I Got No Time For Idiots” were absolutely red hot.

Throw in an Agnostic Front cover, two tracks played with Puzzled Panther and a rousing end of the night sing-a-long of Bob Marley’s. “Redemption Song” and the future started to feel very bright, indeed.