I already praised the new album by JAYA THE CAT in August in the highest terms (see: http://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/4019/ ) and hardly has the praise faded, the band comes around the corner with a new split.
THE FORUM WALTERS from Austria were founded six years ago, have been touring more than they are at home, and as it goes in tour life, you meet bands, drink one, two, many beers together, listen to music together, and then, probably just before 4:00 AM in a backstage room that resembles more of a beverage storage, someone utters the magical words “Let’s do something together,” and from these words (or something like that) the realization grew. What has come out of this is a 7" vinyl, on which both bands are represented with exclusive songs. If I’m not mistaken, THE FORUM WALTERS have a previously unreleased song and JAYA THE CAT have two songs. In total, there are two songs per band on the little record.
JAYA THE CAT also offer two songs on this release for the inclined listener, which come in very cool reggae attire, a few dancehall sequins are shimmering, providing enough freedom of movement to comfortably lift your legs for some ska. All of this happens, as mentioned, with a coolness and a tribute to the old heroes that you just can't get enough of. Really cool shit!!
THE FORUM WALTERS are responsible for the contrasting program with the slightly faster beats. The first song “Rightswing” brings real momentum into the place right from the start, and the body begins to twitch. When the spoken word of singer Philipp Eisl is heard, the band switches to the probably simplest ska beat in the world, but hey, it works time and again. The legs want to dance, and the breaks that the band incorporates into the song, along with the refrain melody, make the song an absolutely danceable track. Somewhere between ska, punk, and folk is where the song resides. Following this is “Honour & Fatherland” coming from the speakers. A short, expectant intro is followed by a danceable beat and this time real singing, in two-part harmony, and again melodies and danceability, despite a sad text. The song’s beat somewhat resembles the faster songs from the Berlin Boom Orchestra.
THE FORUM WALTERS clearly convey their antifascist stance. Both songs could particularly become hits at leftist parties, but JAYA THE CAT also have no reason to hide.
As a conclusion, only one thing can be said: Buy, listen, enjoy, and have fun!
The only downside of the release is that the songs are way too short.
