You'd have to be out of touch with reality not to recognize ska and reggae as universal styles of music in the same way hip-hop has shaped urban culture on a global scale. Even the French have tackled the genre, spinning it on its head in an attempt to register maximum authenticity. The incredulous naysayer in me was skeptical and then I popped in Babylon Circus's latest disc, Dances of Resistance (Mr. Bongo Records). The 10-piece posse cooks up a rousing ska/reggae hybrid that is balkanized and gypsified, and oh so socially conscious. As a whole the album is loose and not as seamless as the ensemble's intentions portend but there are plenty of oompah, fist-pumping moments driven by totally post-punk aspirations and politically-charged lyrics. The Lyon-based big band opens with samples from a massive anti-Iraq war protest march recorded in Spain then segues into the ska-fuelled title track "Dances of Resistance." Gotta hand it to Babylon Circus, the singing in patois is pretty damn convincing. But I was more impressed by the jousting horn line and Eastern European infusions on "De La Musique Et Du Bruit" and the catchy chorus anchoring "Mr Clown." The sprawling, 17-track full-length also offers some whimsical instrumental forays. "J'Aurais Bien Voulu," "Parade Acoustique," and "Petite Caravane Barbare," are nimble, accordion-laced bal-mussettes and Gallic chanson flourishes that carry you along the way, making the listening experience completely worthwhile. For tour dates go to: http://www.rockpaperscissors.biz/index.cfm/fuseaction/current.tour/project_id/358.cfm
No comments:
Post a Comment