GoGo Penguin

We'd love to know what potion Manchester mixes in the tap water, because it must be incredible stuff. With The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, The Stone Roses, Oasis and many others, the city spawned a slew of incredible, contrary and innovative bands. Out of that pool, and brought up with just as much grit, emerged the trio GoGo Penguin. As thirsty for innovation as they are impossible to pigeonhole, GoGo Penguin finds inspiration in contemporary jazz bands like the Esbjörn Svensson Trio and classic minimalists like Steve Reich, John Adams and Erik Satie. The three thirty-somethings grew up in the golden age of electronica and are eager to blend in some elements of techno, house and drum ‘n' bass. Since GoGo Penguin settled on its dream lineup with Chris Illingworth (piano), Rob Turner (drums) and Nick Blacka (bass), the group has been a shooting star. A nomination for the Mercury Prize (2014) launched them to a popularity – unseen for an instrumental group since the turn of the century.