It was an early Christmas gift when I unexpectedly received a package. I hadn't ordered anything at all. What could it be?
It was the new album by BABYLOVE & THE VAN DANGOS from Denmark on vinyl!
What a surprise!
The Danish band has won the hearts of many people in recent years with very intense tours. Not only in Denmark and Europe but also in Asia. Wherever they have been offered a stage, the band has taken it and played their version of Ska and Rocksteady.
The six band members manage to not only captivate you live with their music but also make you move and relax.
The golden cage is the German title of the album.
What kind of band is the golden cage?
Is it the golden cage of the concert evening that makes you forget everyday life and stress?
It's interesting to talk about music in relation to a golden cage.
Or is the cage built much more by the fans and friends of the band?
If it is a golden cage in which the band finds itself or at least feels that way, I would love to see the bars.
As diverse as the influences and styles are that the band presents on their new release, it must be a large cage.
Alongside Rocksteady, Jamaican Ska, Calypso, Caribbean rhythms, Reggae, Jazz, and a lot of groove, the perfectly delivered, perfectly placed, and perfectly sounding vocals stand out. Rarely have I heard vocals so perfectly embedded in the music. This is particularly noticeable in the song “Lazy little me.” The vocals float like on cotton on a sound carpet of fluffy bass, trumpet, and softly played drums.
It's amazing how a six-member band can create such a sound.
The Danes manage to create their own little sound universe with the thirteen songs, where one can feel absolutely comfortable. Warm, soft, relaxed movements, good mood on the face... Heart, what more do you want?
BABYLOVE & THE VAN DANGOS do not make music for the hectic young dancer, but much more for a relaxed evening, where the established crowd, not to say the elders, feel comfortable. However, this does not mean that there is music for old people here. Especially now in the dark, cold season, this music is good for young and old. And when summer comes again and it's warm, and you lie relaxed in the hammock, this sound will quietly come from the speakers. That's all you need to be happy.
The golden cage feels more like a little short vacation that I booked without a return ticket.
The album is available only on vinyl or through the well-known streaming services.
