REVIEW: Pangaea — Come Together (SINGLE)
Some listeners may be a bit incredulous that Pangaea hails from the Peace State Georgia, but hearing is believing. The seven musicians forming the band incorporate a diverse array of musical influences into the band’s sonic identity. Jazz, Latin inclinations, soul, rock, pop, and even country weave the tapestry of Pangaea’s sound without ever sounding like a mishmash of competing voices. The band writes original material, but they are unafraid of covering songs from other acts and trying to claim them as their own.
Planting their flag in a superb re-invention of The Beatles’ Abbey Road classic “Come Together” is an excellent example. The John Lennon-penned stalwart, cribbed from a relatively obscure Chuck Berry tune, finds new life as a groove-driven mix of rock, R&B/soul, and Latin-fueled percussion with a compelling vocal presence capping off the single. Pangaea grasps the fundamental truth that there’s little point in producing carbon-copy imitations of the original when trying to cover well-known songs. It’s only worth it if you can prove the elasticity of the core songwriting vision and, somehow, remake the track in your image.
Pangaea does this. One of many strengths in the tune’s favor is drummer Terry Dillard’s in-the-pocket presence. He lays down an irrepressible groove that gives his fellow musicians a steady and swinging foundation to build on. Intelligent arranging is another key. Pangaea’s “Come Together” is largely straightforward in its musical attack, but crucial instrumental flourishes and fills along the way add color to an already lively and entertaining performance. Pangaea’s vision for “Come Together” is arguably more subtle and layered than the Fab Four’s take on the venerable classic.
Their jazz inclinations certainly stand out. Saxophonist Brian Lopes and trumpeter Justin Powell pack a powerful one-two punch as Pangaea’s horn section without ever obscuring Julio Miranda’s contributions on guitar. Miranda matches their intensity note for note, yet never descends into empty-headed six-string histrionics. Pangaea brings a three-headed percussion beast to the table as well. Drummer Terry Dillard leads the way, but conga player Chris Nettuno and percussionist Frankie Quinones supply restless yet consistent rhythms for the single. Bassist Joe Reda further accentuates the groove with his stellar bottom-end work.
Pangaea’s latest single should expand their profile far past the Deep South. The seven-piece has established itself as a concert staple at various festivals and venues throughout the Georgia and Florida region, but recordings such as this cover create opportunities for them to branch out. Their version of this classic tune should find favor with audiences across the globe as the band has a definite hybrid musical identity that achieves a rare feat — it appeals to listeners across the board. They aren’t catering to a niche audience.
It’s easy to suspect that there’s little they can’t do. Furthermore, it’s easy to see that a clear path forward for the band is continuing to mix their originals with well-chosen covers. “Come Together” is a big step towards capturing the widespread admiration that Pangaea deserves for its entertaining and satisfying work.
Colin Jordan
