When a band names their album “The New International Sound of Hedonism“, it’s inherently appealing. After all, hedonism is the very antithesis of the cold capitalism we live in. Who doesn’t dream of enjoying life and being carefree? Some people can do that and are looked at askance because they refuse to be squeezed into the capitalist “work, work, build a house” mold. Let’s be honest, do we live to work? Is that the goal of life? For some, perhaps, but most people can surely imagine something different than going to work from Monday to Friday.
For all those with different life perspectives and for everyone who wants to enjoy life, “The New International Sound of Hedonism” offers a new soundtrack for this summer.
JAYA THE CAT present a great potpourri on their fourth record, whose foundation is more or less reggae. This foundation is complemented by punk, ska, dancehall, hip hop, and dub. My first thought while listening was that the sound reminds me of The King Blues. The band that entered my life with their last album like a sledgehammer against the drywall to the neighboring apartment. Now, The King Blues have recently disbanded, which makes me sad, but the Dutch band JAYA THE CAT granted singer Jonny Fox a few days of asylum in the studio. He thanked them with a vocal part in the song “Put a Boombox on my Grave”. What a brilliant title, right?
JAYA THE CAT are more relaxed than The King Blues, but that doesn’t make them any less political. A bit more relaxation and less rigidity could do many people good. It’s better for the soul.
The thirteen songs are very multifaceted, intelligent, and yet catchy, so that even after the twentieth listen, boredom doesn’t set in. On the contrary, you feel increasingly comfortable. It’s like lying in a hammock. Simply relaxing and very cool!
The guests on the album (Jonny Fox - The King Blues, Adam Parson - Captain Accident and the Disasters, the brass section from The New Cool Collective) add extra spice to the songs with their contributions, without ruining the mix, as often happens when too many cooks are involved.
JAYA THE CAT have released a really cool record here that gently reminds you (again) of what life is really about.
A great album, perhaps the summer record of the year!
