Kafka
Ten years ago, in Brisbane, Australia, a group of young men were drawn together by a mutual appreciation and unusual combination of jazz, funk, alcohol and 18th Century Russian and Czech writers. The music that came forth was instantly their own, dynamic, rhythmic, quirky and soul full, thus Kafka was formed.
Ever expanding and contracting, the core of Kafka is four dedicated artists, guitarist Lachlan Mitchell, saxophonist Darcy McNulty, bassist Tom Hinchliffe, and drummer Dominic Hede. Featuring in a number of superb bands such as the Gypsy band Doch, Bobby Flynn and the Omega Three, Reggae group Kooii and the intriguing Mr Laneous & The Family Yah. Kafka have earned their own fantastic reputation for their brilliant live shows, relentless gigging and hold the leading light of Brisbane’s emerging soul-funk scene. Kafka's original style of rich Soul, Afro-Beat, Jazz and heavy Funk comes from years of playing on the downtown streets, jiving small crowded bars, and living the blues. Lately the band has been exploring the hidden realms of psychedelic Rock and Hip Hop. Musically they all share a prodigal competency for their instruments and an almost psychic ability to read each others minds when improvising. In fact, improvisation is what makes them such an exceptional band as each time you see them is a new and fresh experience. Sometimes performing as a 15 piece extravaganza but often as 4 or 7, Kafka can perform on any stage.
As a 7 piece Kafka recently launched their debut self-titled album with a smashing Australian Tour. The album itself has been lovingly crafted and recorded by Misha Laurent with the added support and engineering skills from legendary Resin Dogs percussionist and producer Dave Atkins. It features all the roaring Afro-Funk traits of their live show plus some from their smoother side. Renowned UK Dj and producer Gilles Peterson of BBC Radio 1 has featured Kafka on his prestigious radio show and the song 'The Kafka Anthem' came second place in Gilles' Worldwide 'Best Tracks of 2009'(Part 1).
Kafka's impressive gig history includes dates at: Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane Festival, The Speigeltent, The Valley Fiesta, The West End Festival, The Island Vibe Festival, Straight Out of Brisbane Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival (Live Score), the Carnival on Collins in Cairns and the Valley Jazz Festival. 2009 will see the band begin work on their next album and develop their show. Now based between Brisbane and Melbourne the band is truly defining what a long distance relationship can be. Come see for yourself! Website: www.myspace.com/kafkafunk
KAFKA REMIXED 12 INCH
Released on a limited 12 inch vinyl of 300 copies & digitally in February 2010. As seen in the current Afrobeat edition of wax poetics. KAFKA REMIXED features 4 inspiring tracks from the 2009 self titled Kafka album, remixed by some heads who you are sure to hear more from in the near future. First off a superb reworking of the track "Afro Innay" by Golden Sound who pulls out a great afro house dance floor cracker full of Kafka's signature horns.
Kafka
To sum up this album we will have to first mention that “KAFKA”, can vary in numbers. You could catch four of them in a tiny club in Fortitude Valley, or sweat your dancing shoes to the full blown 15 piece orchestra. Some street poetry introduces the album and flows into a short relaxed groove, then, it all starts.
“Lucifers Redemption” showcases the amazing layering techniques of vocalist Lachlan Mitchell & some superbly realized horn arrangements from Darcy Mcnulty. “Theme of Delvechio” reveals some funky psychedelic rock influences, reminding me of a band of gypsies flow. From there a straight up afro-latin sizzler, “Afo Innay” which has been chosen for the A side of their 7 inch release. In this one, the call and respond horns and the percussion send you into a dance frenzy. Releasing the tension, we then listen to a drum part “Hand Solo”, compressed to the max! Could very much be DJ Shadows next stolen break!
“The Track Whisperer” is touching the darker side of their moon to then lead into “Illumination” featuring Kel and Mr Laneous, two of the greatest soul voices around here! “Messin”, takes you through a political journey making you aware of the impact we have on our world. Conscious thoughts are the very core of this review! Afro Moses is featured next on “Release Your Belief”, we can witness a great “High life” influenced jam with one of the most respected Ghanian music ambassadors. Then, time to slow things back down, and introduce “Baboon Slap featuring Peter Hunt from “KOOII”. You can tell the band is as tight as …..! “Fire no Burn” is some pure dancing material with heavy horns and Kel again sweating things up.
As we almost close the door, we have to remind you that “KAFKA” can also sit on a groove and get your head rocking back and forth with a smile the size of Jocker’s! AAAAHHHH, “The Kafka Anthem” is the sort of composition that I listen to if I need to forget about the world, horns, flute, vocal harmonies merge in a sweet little tune. Finally, “Sister” finishes with the same groove used to start the album to bring it full circle. All I can suggest is, keep it goin round!!!