Photo:
In the current political climates it is sometimes difficult to remain open minded about other cultures and ways of life. Oi Va Voi will hopefully change all of that. With such skills of musically variety, their second self–entitled album sonically encapsulates a world of increasing diverse people. Fusing jazz, hip hop, Jewish klezmer and everything in between, their music is all encompassing.
Not the best known act, Oi Va Voi’s talent is immediately obvious. They have already given the world KT Tunstall (a former singer with the group). Now, this time around with former Jamiroquai and Kylie producer, Mike Spencer on board, Oi Va Voi are out to make a name for themselves and have unleashed an astonishing album to do so. While chilled out in nature, no two tracks on this album follow the same style. Trumpet driven ‘Balkanik’ sits side by side with the flamenco guitar based ‘Black-Sheep’. Bizarre it may be. But it works.
Everything from Bjork to Zero 7 to Gogol Bordello is reminiscent in this album. Yet no amount of comparisons can get close to how good this band sound. Stand out tracks are perhaps the slowly swelling melodies of ‘Look-Down’ and the Eastern European Ska-romp ‘Yuri’, yet the rest of album never slips below standard and everyone is likely to have their favourite.
The monologue at the end of the album, thanking the listener and hoping they’ve enjoyed singing along is a little insipid. The duration of only ten tracks is also a bit of a let down, leading to cravings to listen again. But how often do you hear an album of 10 solid tracks? I’ll tell you-not very often! With such a good release it would be criminal if Oi Va Voi did not garner the success they deserve. Seek them out now.
