Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is a certain romance to the idea of the nomadic gypsy life, it captures a distinct flavour that adds headiness and charm to the mundane of life and one that is steeped in historic values and colourful, vibrant principles. It is a way of life that makes the listener and onlooker think of music, of dark gatherings over burning desires and hot blooded fires and one so wonderfully echoed in the second album by Molotov Jukebox, the enrapturing Tropical Gypsy.
Molotov Jukebox burst with the ferocity of an incendiary device placed in amongst the rows of bands to make their way out of London and yet what remains standing, what grows in stature as rotten ideals fall and the strong are elevated to bigger and exclusive heights, is the feeling of energy, of principled vigour and liveliness; it is the jig of the dance that many have been waiting for and Molotov Jukebox do not disappoint.
Many bands are capable of causing a riot to take place inside the listener’s soul when they play, some do it so well that the person on other side of the headphones or speakers does not even realise they have become tuned in to the foot-stamping insurrection on offer, instead like a covert operation of rebellion, the listener will revel in the mutiny without ever displaying revolution; it is the best of operations that allow that feeling of deep desire to take place.
The music, Latino influenced and dogged in its determination to hold fast to the beat, sees Natalia Tena, Sam Apley, Adam Burke, Tom Wilson, Angus Moncrieff and Rami Sherrington the enormous scope of musical canvas to make music that is both infectious and full of surprising groove. It is the gypsy dance that grows with flourish each time the music bursts into life, a life that makes songs such as Trail of Crumbs, Gypsy Funeral, Pineapple Girl and Dancing With The Dead stride colourfully and with purpose through the night fires of musical indifference and come out the other side gleaming, shouting loudly and dedicated to the new cause.
A tremendously enjoyable album, one that makes Molotov Jukebox spin and dance with great ease.
Molotov Jukebox’s Tropical Gypsy is released on April 15th via Pause For Effect Records.
Ian D. Hall