Jaya The Cat
First Beer Of A New Day
Take one part of Rancid-like punk, add an equal part of ska, a spoonful of hip-hop and reggae, blend the mixture thoroughly, chuck in a can of beer and a pack of crumbled cigarettes et voila, the new Jaya The Cat-record is ready to be served. Or their previous one, because despite the fact that the band mix a boatload of musical styles, they did exactly the same thing on their Basement Style CD. This band is emitting the stench of stale beer from all their pores, and apparently theyre proud of it as well. Album title, artwork and lyrics are all about booze, beer and a variety of other chemicals that will without doubt fuck you up as much as the band. The 14 songs on this album range from almost pure reggae (Drug Squad) to Out Com The Wolves-style Rancidness, (like in Love Song For Drunks) and everything in between, usually with lots of skank-parts and upbeat guitars. Singer Geoffs voice is as raw as possible and fi ts both the sound of the band and the atmosphere of civil disobedience they bring very well. With the exception of one or two songs, the entire album has a feel-good vibe to it, like the band is anxious to go on a massive drinking session this very evening. Which is well chosen, because this album would be the perfect soundtrack for a night on the piss or some good ol skanking and action in the pit of your local, sweaty club, followed by giving the finger to a passing police car. Fun release, even though the development in the bands style is a bit absent. Id like to hear something slightly different for their next release, but this one is fi ne as it is.