Young kids today have it rough …

One one hand, technology has enhanced and eased the process of recording. This allows the youth to not be held captive by record companies which prey on unsuspecting musicians. They still do yet not as much …

The musicians have it rough because they are more talented and because of this – there are more of them. A band today, an above average band, are more talented than say, Herman’s Hermits. If any of then were around in the sixties – they would be millionaires by now and have a t.v show.

How does ‘ Hey Hey we’re Danny Rebel and the KGB’ sound ….? As opposed to the Monkees, this band has actually played their own instruments from day one …

SOUL SHAKER is their first effort and starting with the title track; these kids have their fingers on the pulse of reggae and ska. Toss a little Jazz, funk and hip hop into the salad of tunes and what you have is a flavourful mix of pleasant sounds.

The song Soul Shaker is a melodic gem enhanced with a sprinkle of cut and dry drumbeats. Lead singer Danny Rebel has a velvety voice which careens off of drummer Max’s crisp strikes. A hit song which sadly has been missed by radio stations everywhere. So far …

Marco and Danny themselves provide edgy guitar to a funky backbeat of Phil’s bass. Add the keyboard ( played by Pat)which channels Billy Preston circa the mid – seventies, a harmonious tune of eclectic sounds. The end of the song shivers with what sounds like freeform jazz.

The song which plays next, another reggae beat, could be a throwback to the fifties- vocal wise. It is the beauty of Danny Rebel and les boys; what they play is something parents can dance along to.

‘ Walkin home ‘ makes you want to sing all the way home.

The third track on the disc commences

with a good intro of keyboards alone. Musical foreplay which as most good foreplay does, leads to a sensual delight. A mini – orgasm in the form of dancing close with a love. The song drifts into the distance – leaving a smile on a longing face. ‘Dirty soul’ leaves a dirty soul somewhat cleansed.

‘Hang Tough’ is standard reggae fare with a slight twist. What’s the twist? A bit of ‘ scratching’ in the background in lieu of
guitar licks. A wise choice to decipher the message to hang in there through thick and thin.

Hanging in is what the listener must do for the first part of ‘ The Man ‘. Another reggae song turns into a beautiful chorus which in turn evolves into a keyboard – ian smorgesborg with thunder in the sky. Kind of a reggae / ska version of the Doors’ Riders on the Storm.

Just like the other songs, ‘ She Got’ provides another surprise. Lead guitar. Marco burns his occasion to shine right through a heart awaiting a musical transplant. Once more, Pat’s keybards shine a light into creativity which comes from hungry musicians at the top of their game.

‘DISINFORMATION’ maybe the weakest song on the album with the exception of the keyboards AGAIN.

Its okay, the next song ‘ Marianne’ is amazing! The great next unfounded song in a library of discarded books. Acoustic, funky, different and downright homey. The heart glows with a feeling of comfort as the boys, in unison, provide backing vocals. A hearing is a must to truly understand the completeness of the song and the miraculous healing power. A smile appears whether you like it or not.

‘Brazilian Top Ten’ is dull. Nothing special. Background music to make you bop.

The final track ‘ Rebel Anthem ‘ is just that. A ‘stand up for your rights’ song which empowers a belief in the power of music. The boys not holding back vocally or instrumentally. An accumulation of all their powers which – at young ages, is quite a bit.

The album in whole a definate add to any music fan’s collection.