French duo plays instrumental rock reminiscent of the good ol' Chicago scene, with one guitar and drums. It's a very good record, melodic, raw, upbeat and never too clever. The band privileges dynamics over technique and it sounds really nice. Their honest and humble approach to intrumental rock prevents the record from falling into the dreaded abysses of self-indulgent math rock. Trans Panda is nine songs and 25 minutes long, with stellar moments ("Gatorade", "Flex Over", "Animal Copter") and a great cover. Check it out!

- Barbara H

/apr 1st 2005/