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Larica

Det Kaotiske Orkester

Written by: PP on 20/05/2014 21:35:12

The Chaotic Orchestra, as Larica go by on their third album carrying the same title in their native language of Danish, count among the most unique band's I've run across in Denmark. Utilizing a plethora of influences ranging from folk punk and swing to Balkan and gypsy themes, the nine-piece leave behind a very funky and definitely memorable expression throughout "Det Kaotiske Orkester". They're most comparable to the gypsy punk of Gogol Bordello, but elements from third wave progressive ska bands like Streetlight Manifesto, RX Bandits and Catch 22 (on "Permanent Revolution") are strongly present in the mix as well.

Album opener "Jihad" is ripe with political commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, taking the left-wing / liberal side of the issue by saying that support for one side shouldn't be equated to anti-Semitism. It works because of how catchy and simultaneously laid-back the song's overall vibe is, resulting in the album taking off with momentum straight away. Left-wing rhetoric is a common theme throughout the album, as songs like "1984" and especially third song "Copyleft" suggest; the latter quotes in Danish "if you play music or write a book, you should aspire to be more like those who paint trains, those who give everything they have in creative energy without receiving anything but sympathy" in what is a pro-piracy and pro-Graffiti statement in the same breath. The band's social commentary is rooted in intellectualism so they don't come off as juvenile as many others would do dealing with the same topics, and when this is combined with lots of deep tuba(?) and saxophone melodies, the resulting expression is quite unique indeed.

Generally "Det Kaotiske Orkester" is a surprisingly strong album throughout. Ska, reggae, funk, and traditional Balkan soundscapes are liberally combined in a variety of ways ranging from the more party-oriented dance-athons to the more chilled out and contemplative melodies in terms of their tempo. Again, this is helpful in making the album feel like a breath of fresh air in the usually so bright and upbeat ska/punk culture, adding in some darker melody to the soundscape that brings forth the Streetlight Manifesto similarities once again. "Det Kaotiske Orkester" could be the most intriguing punk-influenced album released in Denmark in the last couple of years, so be sure to explore in-depth and let it's gypsy melodies invite your more rhythmic side forth.

Download: Jihad, 1984, Copyleft
For the fans of: Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22, Gogol Bordello, RX Bandits
Listen: Facebook

Release date 28.02.2014
Self-Released