Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on 2026-03-28
Photo Credit: Kenneth Bachor
New York group Puzzled Panther just released their latest single “Strange Memory,” produced by Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hütz via Casa Gogol Records (more via Rolling Stone). The band – Victoria Espinoza, Kay Bontempo, Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello), and Rob Mellinger (Casa Gogol’s Crazy & The Brains) – they also justt performed at Gogol Bordello’s NYC homecoming show at Knockdown Center, March 27.
“Strange Memory” showcases the band’s ambitious, dance-punk vision of “the future, the past, and the now.” Incorporating electronica, the track delivers a sharp, angular, crowd-pleasing sound – think Devo-meets-Viagra Boys-meets-Sextile – combining the youthful energy of Puzzled Panther with Hütz’s bold production vision and seasoned expertise.
The single, which shares its name with the band’s current tour, signals that the band’s rapidly growing following is in for a treat. Their debut full-length album is currently in the works and set for release this September on Casa Gogol Records.
“Strange Memory”: Watch / Listen
Puzzled Panther just released their Psychedelic-Manchester meets New York EP Fits of Serenity last July, with powerful mosh pit alternative dance rock standout “Sting of Iodine” setting the tone with beautifully textured, raw guitar riffs and anthemic lyrics that will have crowds from New York to Japan chanting along. The band is also featured on Gogol Bordello’s latest album We Mean It, Man! – hailed by SPIN as “the band’s most vital and engaging record since Gypsy Punks” – on the track “From Boyarka to Boyaca,” and joined them on their North American tour.
About Puzzled Panther
New York group Puzzled Panther is led by principal songwriter Victoria Espinoza, who describes their sound as “magical realism,” as well as Kay Bontempo, Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello), and Rob Mellinger (Casa Gogol’s Crazy & The Brains). Puzzled Panther’s self-titled debut EP also boasts impressive production credits, fully produced by Eugene Hütz, as well as the first single “Smoke and the Mirrors We Broke,” produced by post-punk legend Nick Launay (Nick Cave, Amyl and the Sniffers, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Idles).
