SHREDnews

By Jay Rowland

Shaka Ponk is here to spread the word of Goz to the world through their shows and music. Goz, a cynical monkey that describes the world as he sees it, is the unofficial sixth member of the band. The monkey can be seen dancing on a screen behind the band at all of their shows. The band’s sound verges on forging its own genre as the unique music blasts out of the speakers. The band describes themselves as rock, electro, and techno, mixed with some rap. This wild bunch born in France and currently living in Germany formed in 2004 and have quickly been driving France and Germany into a monkey driven frenzy. The boys, as Goz lovingly refers to them as, are CC (guitar), Frah (vocals/Shaka Master), Steve (keys), ION (drums), and Mandris (guitar). In 2005 they released their first EP, Hyppie Monkey. In 2006 they followed up the EP with their first full length album, Loco Con Da Frenchy Talkin. Now in 2009 they bring us their newest ear candy and plan to take over the world with Bad Porn Movie Trax.

The album opens up with, “Twisted Mind”. The song is full of a great rhythm from the beginning as it blasts pure energy straight into the ears. Musically this is a great song to introduce the album because it gives a great preview of what is to follow. Most people will probably enjoy the sound or dislike it right away. The vocal distortion kicks up a notch with the next song, “Hombre Que Soy”. Even though they do make use of distortion quite a bit it is balanced well and doesn’t overwhelm – unlike so many bands these days. As “Prima Scene” starts up you get the party scene feel right away. Not only are these guys here to have fun and party but they’re here to do it with some talent. The song is very catchy and makes you want to get out on the dance floor even if you, like me, can’t dance. At times the lyrics and rhythm reminds me some what of Powerman 5000’s first album.

“How We Kill Stars” is a lyric driven power house. It has a beat that digs its claws in and just won’t let go. The almost video game background part way into the first half just helps to complete this song and begging to be sung along to in the car, shower, live show, or any place you can, it leaves a strong impression in the mind. This song really made me realize ShakaPonk wasn’t just another wanna be party band. In my opinion this song is epic. The next song, “Mad O You” surprises in a good way with its deep thumping rhythm reminiscent of an Irish drinking song that has melded with a modern dance floor beat. The song shows a range of talent which means a lot in this day. You can not make it if everything you have sounds like one forty-five minute long song that never leaves a mark. This song defiantly leaves an impression.

The tempo steps up a lot with “Te Gusto Me”. Almost a maddening reeling spins out of the speakers with this one as the boys once again show us they can do just about anything they want with their music. This song seems to have to grow on you more than some of the other ones. At first it seems annoying, but it does grow on you. It defiantly leans more toward the rock sound then a dance or hip-hop sound. The techno intro of “Gotta Get Me High” breaks into another catchy beat driven song. The lyrics really aren’t much on this one other than some nice rhymes until 1:20 when the words take more control of the song. Even though some of the lyrics are a little weaker in over half of the song the beat makes up for it. The album closes out with Frah showing off his voice in “Just A Nerd”. The music and vocals blend really well in this song as Frah almost croons to us in this final track.

Even though I find myself not agreeing with some of the bands messages I still enjoy the album as a whole. If something new and unique is what you are looking for, you should defiantly pick up ShakaPonk’s new album, Bad Porn Movie Trax.

http://www.myspace.com/shakaponk

Rating: 8/10

For Fans Of: Black Eyed Peas, Jamiroquai, Gorillaz

Top Tracks: Prima Scene, How We Kill Stars, Alak’Okan, Just A Nerd

Track List:

1. Twisted Mind

2. Hombre Que Soy

3. Prima Scene

4. Some Guide

5. How We Kill Stars

6. Mad O You

7. Do

8. Te Gusta Me

9. French Touch Puta Madre

10. Gotta Get Me High

11. Sum’ Luv’

12. Alak’Okan

13. Make It Mine

14. Just A Nerd