Freshlyground always manages to put a smile on my face. As I hit the play button to start Ma’Cheri, the band’s latest album, I’m immediately transported to soft blanket in Kirstenbosch. It’s a warm summer’s afternoon, and I have a cool glass of wine nestled comfortably in my hand as birds twitter gently in the background.
Freshlyground’s ability to make relaxing, easy-listening tracks hasn’t changed, and they have understandably changed very little with the new album. The hugely popular team of talented musicians have once again popped out a handful of songs that are all light-hearted, feel-good and very weekend afternoon friendly.
The mildly funny Pot Belly has already hit the South African airwaves in a big way, and although only slightly more complex than the massive Doo Be Doo, it is doubtful that it will rival the popularity of the groups biggest single to date. Most of the other tracks follow a similar tone, and all have the tried and tested combination of traditional sounds mixed with more conventional instruments.
It would have been a pleasant change if the gang had dared to branch out from their original formula. But their massive following, that has been growing exponentially since they appeared on the scene in 2002, would likely have been expecting more of the same, and Freshlyground have decided to stick to the safety of predictability. As with their previous releases, Zolani’s delicately powerful voice floats effortlessly through your ears, which also means that it can just as easily float out again. The result of this is that the album will slot nicely into the background of your Sunday lunch do, which is probably exactly what the eclectic mix of musicians wanted to achieve.
Published on www.levi.co.za/musicmag
Posted by Kim and Bjørn on March 28, 2008 at 8:57 am
Loved the previous album! I live in the US and it’s shocking that it is still impossible to find this album here – even on Amazon and similar sites. You’d thin all foregn music was banned here.