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I hadn't ordered anything. So I went to the neighbor, received the package, and was amazed. PORK PIE is sending me a vinyl record. So vinyl is definitely back in trend. When you even get promotional copies on 12" vinyl records again. Or has prosperity broken out at PORK PIE?
After the first listen of the record, I may not know the financial means of the label from Berlin, but I now know that something really strong is spinning on the turntable. Something I haven't heard in years.
The twelve songs of JOHNNY REGGAE RUB FUNDATION sound as if they are at least 40 years old. But they are not. Probably none of the band members have reached that age. And yet the trio (!) sounds as if they have sprung from the good old ska and reggae era.
Each individual song is a small work of art in itself. The band brings the sound of the old days back to life. Yes, they breathe new life into it. Calypso melodies, dirty reggae, groovy ska, blues, offbeats, all of this can be heard from the speakers. Beautifully cozy, kept at a slow tempo. Occasionally it goes into mid-tempo, but always relaxed and groovy. The music has almost therapeutic effects. It loosens you up, it is relaxing and... even if I repeat myself, it grooves.
Johnny Ska and Chrissy share the vocals and give the songs their personal touch. Especially Chrissy has a fantastic voice that really fits into the melodic arcs. Johnny Ska is no less impressive.
Music to dance to, dream to, for the next beach party, for the hammock, and for cozy gatherings.
That a band consisting of only three people can make such fantastic music, especially in this genre, is more than extraordinary. And that this record is supposed to be the band's debut album is more than incredible.
“No Bam Bam“ by JOHNNY REGGAE RUB FUNDATION is, for me, the best record in the ska and reggae genre this year so far. The bar is set so high that I can hardly believe anything better will come along.
