
Listening to Boozoo Bajou's latest album, Grains, is kind of like stepping back into the best possible romantic art film of the 60s. It's one where everyone is wearing sky blue and earth tones. On the men, sideburns are grown, everyone's hair is naturally colored, and the women choose summer dresses and headscarves over pants and pony tails.
Track Listing:
Flickers
Sign
Big Nick's
Same Sun
Grains
Fuersattel - Heavy On Me
Kinder Ohne Strom
Tonschraube
Messengers - Nebelkloster
If you can bring it all to life in your head with these songs as a soundtrack you'll probably realize, a film like this was probably never made, but should have been. This isn't the overtly reggae and dub infused Boozoo Bajou you're used to, the influences here have names like soul and folk, although dub production techniques are still a strong undercurrent.
In a refreshing display of solid songwriting, there are beautiful moments coming from both sides of the vocal gender fence. Just check out "Same Sun" and "Grains". For DJs, "Same Sun" is the track to seek out because there is an amazingly sweet house mix of it by Prins Thomas to be found on the Same Sun single. While I'm on the great vocal work here, be sure and open your ears to "Sign" for a taste of Boozoo's soul inspired skills.
There are instrumental cuts here too, so don't think it's all just a folk and soul vocalist parade. "Tonschraube" is an incredible example of just how lush Boozoo Bajou take the instrumentation when they don't have a singers voice to support with minimalism.
Grains. it must be said, will distill your brain into the finest of spirits. Best enjoyed with your eyes closed under a warm breeze.