Not content with producing an admirable solo album (All The Leaves Are Falling Down) Aussie Mark Boulle also finds time to don his group leader's head-gear for this lively mix of politicised pop with a jazzed up reggae flavour.
The core of the Haba Dudes is multi-instrumentalist Boulle on vocals, Jonno Harding-Clark on drums and Elodie Mayberry on violin, a threesome which is augmented by guest musicians on bass, clarinet and alto-sax. Mayberry contributed much to Boulle's solo record and her expertise on the violin is also a crucial part of the band sound.
The main difference between this and his solo material is that that here Boulle places a greater emphasis of the role of the individual on a political stage. This is consistent with his belief that "artists in general can play an important balancing role keeping in check corrupt systems of government and corporations".
Calling a spade a spade is an advantage in addressing such themes. The title track makes no bones about criticising the extension of police powers: "How many people must you kill in the name of freedom". On Cold Sweat Boulle confesses to being a "hippy lover" fundamentally at odds with the "corporate machine". This, together with tracks like 'Whale Reggae' and 'Pumpkin Boil' reveal Boulle's eco-savvy credentials, the latter advocating a greens with salad lifestyle and manages to make a line like "Let's make this world a better place for you and me" sound like an original concept.
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I miss the intimacy that made his solo album such a treat but this is still a fine album that shows an artist unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.
If you were left in any doubt of the record's quiet radicalism, the snippet of a George Galloway speech on the lead out track will dispell any lingering doubts. GG in full rant mode asserts that "imperialism is the greatest menace to the peace of the world"
Right on.
13t -40.02m
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