Don’t be fooled by their name. Just a Band are by no means any old band. They are arguably the freshest and most exciting musical experience to blow by these shores in more than a minute. Innovative, bold and ground-breaking, they’ve cleverly carved out a cozy niche all to themselves.
Their debut album, Scratch To Reveal, was stunning. Now they return with an equally audacious record, 82.
The album’s opener, "Save My Soul", is sweet, but a tad bit deceptive. A vulnerable pop ballad that smacks of heavy Michael Jackson influence, it really doesn’t set the stage for what is by and large a fast paced dance-techno-funk album.
Now songs like "Ha-He" and "Kaa Ridho" are sure fire attention grabbers. The former, produced by hitmaker Musyoka of Decimal Records might very well be the band’s finest yet, and gives lead singer Blinky Bill his best opportunity to showcase his (albeit altered) vocals. Two thumbs up! The latter is funny, with a captivating hook, and ropes in the highly rated Juliani, as well as Bien from Sauti Sol. And surprise surprise - the catchiest lyrics on it are Bill’s, not Juliani’s. Sample various lyrics:
“Kawaida niko macho kaa mbwa ya Osama…”
“Kaa kuchinja kuku umeshika nail-cutter, ama kuua mbu na umebeba panga”
“Uliza Thabo Mbeki vile watu wanafanywa wakipelekwa retire, juu akili zao hazikuwa on fire”
"Usinibore" is Basement Jaxx territory. On this, the album’s lead single, the disco ball spins real fast and the club lights go berserk. Fantastic. There's a great music video to boot.
Just A Band are trying to catch a girl’s attention on the disco-funk "Uko Mbele", a great example of what Jamiroquai might sound like if moved into the neighborhood and learnt some Swahili. Again, great lyrics on an unforgettable hook: “Can I walk in the rain with you, will you give me a chance to prove
Juu uko mbele jo...uko mbele jo”
Other cuts to look out for include the altogether unique and abstract benga track "Migingo Express", and the highly melancholic "Stay", featuring Wambura Mitaru.
Yet for all its bright moments, 82, is not without shortcomings. It definitely has much more filler material than its predecessor. Listeners will hear more songs on this record that they’d wish they hadn’t. Cuts like Tingiza Kichwa, Forever My People (Do It So Delicious) and others really should have been left on the cutting floor.
 The Band's First Album
"82" is not a case of the sophomore jinx – where artists second albums fail to live up to their debuts. Not by a long shot - some of the band’s brightest moments are found here. What "82" is, is a case of artists going through their maturation process, and being left the wiser for it.
Just A Band is Dan Muli, Jim Chuchu and Bill “Blinky” Sellanga.
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» 4 Comments
1"just a band"
at Thursday, 22 October 2009 07:32
i totally respect this band!!! they are the illest freshest thing i have come across so far..billy,dan and jim....kudos!!!
2Comment
at Thursday, 22 October 2009 10:49
I didn't even know such cool reviews are written about Kenyan cds. Who writes them? Can i write one. But kenyan techno, that's a first! I really like these guys, i think they are very cool. I must get myself a copy of 82.
3"Nice"
at Saturday, 24 October 2009 09:22
Thank you for the article, Mwafrika. I agree with much of your balanced and objective view, especially the bit with the songs that probably should have been tweaked or just omitted from the album. That aside, 82 is a brilliant album, and I am absolutely pleased at the Band's progress. Dan, Jim and Blinky are doing wonderful things for this industry.
4Comment
at Sunday, 18 April 2010 02:30
I love Just A Band!!
Nice review, although I don't agree with some of your critiques. I agree that the album benefits from having more of the band member's vocals, but some of the tracks weren't as solid in my opinion because the female vocalists could have been stronger. And how come no mention of my favourite tracks on the ablum: "Extra" and "Sunrise"?? Would love to have read your thoughts on them. Cheers!
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