On February 14, 2020, the new album by the Cologne band JOHNNY REGGAE RUB FUNDATION will be released. It is the band's second album.
While the first album by the band from 2017 (the review at ramtatta.de can be read here: http://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/7994/) and the 7" from 2018 (the review can be read here: http://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/8244/) were very relaxed and laid-back releases that allowed one to dream and dance slowly, the second album offers more pressure and tempo. This is also due to the fact that the band is now performing as a quartet, with a really good drummer who brings more power and speed to the music with this instrument.
Is that good or bad?
After all, I rated the debut album with full marks back then, as I had not encountered such a relaxed old-school record before or since.
The songs are still very well arranged, some have hit potential, such as the already ska-pop leaning "Shut Up" featuring Chrissy Reggae on vocals. "If you don’t like it" comes across as more masculine and determined.
Even the lyrically perhaps slightly weaker "Beer & Ska" has sing-along potential.
The beautiful organ piece "Who cares" is a lovely number to dance and relax to. In the dark season, this song even brings a bit of the Caribbean into the living room.
What makes the whole album different is, in addition to the complete drums, the increased tempo. This is positively viewed when considering the album in isolation from the previous works. Thus, the band will likely become more accessible and hopefully find even more followers.
Stylistically, the band offers more on this album than in their previous releases. The Cologne musicians deserve high praise for daring to step out of their comfort zone with a loyal fan base. Some purists might wrinkle their noses at this, but... who cares?
The album has a lot to offer. Four good musicians make good music. This is undisputed and should not be forgotten in any criticism that can certainly be expressed due to the stylistic development. In my opinion, the album emphasizes the band's class much more. However, I unfortunately cannot give it full marks this time. Perhaps it simply lacks the element of surprise that the first album had. Although, as mentioned, if one considers the album in isolation...
It is also commendable that the sympathetic Berlin label PORK PIE continues to have the band under contract and that the album is only available in physical form.
