Though the name originated from an epic elevator shaft connecting two Burlington VT apartments to one another, the music has in fact very little to do with this. The connection lies in the uniqueness of name and sound. Bearquarium. Is it whiskey-soaked rock, modern day afro-beat, old school soul? Yes. All of the above and more. Listening to Bearquarium is like swimming through a colorful aquarium full of bears and dancing your pants off while doing so (nothing’s impossible).

Bearquarium has often been compared to classic groups such as Tower of Power, Van Morrison and The Meters, yet their influences range from Fela Kuti to Talking Heads, Red Hot Chili Peppers to Derek Trucks, Grace Potter to Bonobo, Thievery Corporation to Led Zeppelin, and anything in between.

After the success of their self-titled debut album in July 2009, the band hit the road and began developing a loyal fanbase throughout many Northeast cities/towns. Panigutti’s charismatic front man skills capture audiences from note one, and the double percussion showcases glossed with slick horn lines, raging guitar, screaming organ and fat bass tones strike chords of curiosity amongst crowds of all ages.

During the summer of 2010 Panigutti took a brief hiatus, which allowed the group to develop an even tighter instrumental core. Having since returned, the once-again eight piece unit has hit the scene fully charged and jam-packed with energy. In the last few months the group has written more music than ever before, and will be releasing their second full-length album in June 2012.