Return of the White Reggae (Voodoo in the Cuckoo by Jaundis I)

Last year was a truly great year for alternative sounds. No, not alternative music, alternative sounds…
Let me explain, alternative music as a genre has died. In its place is an amalgam of diverse sounds, so well put together you wonder why someone hadn’t thought of it before (or maybe they did and this the year they decided to give us our wake up call).

The definitive sound of the rock/reggae combo, popularised in a form, by the Police, some years ago, was reincarnated in two bands who carry the torch with great flavour. The first of these is No Doubt, a ska/rock sound from California, and the focus of my review, Jaundis I. And who better to define the rock/reggae sound than a Caribbean band.

In their freshman effort, Voodoo in the Cuckoo, the band has put together a stunning piece of work.This album takes you on a muscial ride from the mellow acoustic sounds of May. And you’ll be gone with the bass-thumping wacum, wacum sounds of Shango and A wake in a dream.

All songs on the album are original compostitions of Robert Beadon (Guitar/Vocals) and Nigel Rojas (Bass/Vocals). The four man combo share the work on vocals with Mark Dopson also on Guitar and Authur Reid on Drums.

Tracks to look out for include May, Shango, Peace by Piece, Road Block, Prayer and A wake in a Dream.

The album was recorded at Caribbean Sound Basin in Trinidad and Blue Wave in Barbados. This is a well executed piece of work and I eagerly look forward to hearing their next effort. So get up off that couch and go expand your horizons and buy this album.

Voodoo In The Cuckoo is already available in stores locally and internationally.

keifel a. agostini