Buke & Gase (2023)

As the world held its collective breath in the suffocating grasp of Covid-19, art and expression faced a distinct challenge. “Buke & Gase” illuminates this space, a period where the globe’s music scene turned ghostly quiet. Amidst this soundscape of silence, Buke and Gase emerged as the defiant anthem. Performing to the hauntingly empty hall of Basilica Hudson, a venue that once resonated with voices of myriad artists, the duo showcases the resilience and persistent heartbeat of art in the face of despair. The film is not just about their music but is a poignant commentary on humanity’s indomitable spirit, the undying love for art, and the poignant reality of performing in the absence of a live audience. A melange of somberness, optimism, and raw emotion, the movie examines the pursuit of passion even when the world seems to have paused.

Length: 1h 17m
Genre: Documentary, Music

Trailer

Cast

• Arone Dyer as Herself
• Aron Sanchez as Himself
• Aaron Dessner as Guest Musician

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements and brief language)

Parents are advised that while the film is largely suitable for teenagers, there are moments of intense emotion and brief strong language, reflecting the raw realities of artists grappling with a world in flux.

Trivia

• The famed Basilica Hudson hall, where Buke and Gase performed, has hosted some of the world’s most renowned musicians, adding layers of depth to their choice of venue.
• Director Steven Pierce had initially planned to document live concerts before the pandemic, but quickly shifted focus as the music world turned upside down.
• The duo’s unique name “Buke and Gase” originates from the instruments they play – the “buke” (a six-string former-baritone ukulele) and the “gase” (a guitar-bass hybrid).
• While Aaron Dessner is more widely recognized for his role in The National, his appearance in this documentary is a testament to the close-knit music community that bands together in times of hardship.

Our Review

In a world seeking hope amidst chaos, “Buke & Gase” resonates on a profound level. The somber echoes of music in an empty hall might seem desolate, yet they become symbols of resilience and resistance against unprecedented global challenges. Arone Dyer and Aron Sanchez’s performances are raw, stirring, and hauntingly beautiful, a reflection of the very essence of humanity’s perseverance. Their act of defiance, to play when the world stopped, is an emotional journey that many artists will relate to, but so will anyone who’s felt the weight of 2020’s silencing gloom. Director Steven Pierce brilliantly captures the spirit, intermixing the subtle melancholy with moments of sheer joy and celebration of music. “Buke & Gase” is not just a musical experience, but an embodiment of the age-old belief – even in the darkest of times, art finds its way.

Viewer Ratings

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