Cold Heat Kolonel Djafaar

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 26 May 2024

James Endeacott (Soho Radio / Morning Glory) another amazing single from one of the best labels in the country Julien Renou (Le Mellotron) wicked! Mari Kimura (Worldwide FM) - Pure ethio vibes! I like it Ex-Friendly (Radio Alhara راديو الحارة) - Lovely atmospheric cosmic Ethio groove Alex Ruder (KEXP) - cool psych jazz vibe Kaptin Barrett (Boomtown, Ujima 98FM) - Killer Kolonel Djafaar’s ‘Cold Heat’ packs a mighty punch, combining the irresistible charm of Ethio jazz and psych-rock with the power of a big band brass section, that has made them a formidable live force across Belgium. As they come into their own cinematic sound, now is the time for them to be enjoyed more widely, thanks to masters of exotic groove, Batov Records. Kolonel Djafaar’s debut release for Batov is an all-killer-no-filler EP. On “Bactrian Camel'' the four-man brass section picks up a thundering groove, only for the organ-led rhythm section to answer with their own snaking retort. Joris Wendelen’s electric guitar riffing adds a further Middle Eastern flavour to the stew. Written by trombonist Willem De Mol, who delivered the song after two months alone in Russia, “Lamentation” continues the Ethio vibe with a little Latin panache. The brass-led tone here is mysterious, the melody lingers. An almost surf-esque guitar solo transports the listener before the main groove on organ and brass recalibrates us to the solid rhythm. Comparable to, but distinct from, The Budos Band and Comet is Coming, the low-slung sounds of “Recording 68” in particular reveal Kolonel Djafaar coming into their own. The tempo drops, emphasizing the depth of the groove. The EP is appropriately closed in cinematic style on “The Heist”. The pace picks up. Drums of death, in the mode of DJ Shadow or Unkle, hold up the distorted synths and that sharpest of horn sections. A song ready for the dirtiest of chase scenes. ‘Cold Heat” is suitably titled. Fast or slow, killer grooves that will take no prisoners. A taste of Kolonel Djafaar’s power on stage and the clearest picture yet of their direction in sound.

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