In love with witches, inside by stitches: Gogol Bordello, London, 14/12/17

Where to start with Gogol Bordello? The Gypsy punk band have been touring tirelessly since 1999 and have known at least 20 members. 

Ukranian-born Eugene Hütz is the group's tenacious frontman, and other members come from Ethiopia, Russia and America - to name but a few.

Last week's Brixton Academy show was in support of Gogol Bordello's seventh studio album, Seekers and Finders. Before the Gypsy punks took to the stage, Lucky Chops, a brassy funk band from New York were charged with warming up the crowd.

Whether or not you know Gogol Bordello's music, it is impossible not to enjoy yourself during one of their live shows.

Left - Eugene Hütz, Right - Thomas Gobena

As soon as Break Into Your Higher Self started playing, the crowd was energetically jumping around. As the evening continued, this energy was simply amplified as older tracks started to be played.

Particular favourites included Alcohol and Start Wearing Purple, but songs from the new album were just as well received.

Passionate moshing continued throughout the show but, as is always the case at punk gigs, the crowd was respectful of anyone in difficulty.

Each member of Gogol Bordello is captivating to look at. Bassist Thomas Gobena has an exceptional blue beard and Sergey Ryabtsev on the fiddle reminded me of Jeremy Corbyn...

Hütz and his drum

By the end of the night, Hütz ended up crowd surfing on top of a large drum. He even invited a girl from the crowd to climb up with him.

The energy from this band is immense and incessant. It was an amazing send off to the strange year that has been 2017. If you haven't seen Gogol Bordello, make sure you do in 2018.