The Cabarats - A Fool's Paradise 
Release Date: Out Now
Westcountry collective the Cabarats have dropped new album 'A Fool's Paradise' it's the kind of record that will get you right in the mood for festival season this summer. The album kicks off with the slinky and circus inspired intro of 'Don't Know Why' which soon jumps in to a Balkan jig of a chorus with laid back reggae verses. 'King' keeps the reggae vibe going with a healthy dose of organs slathered over the skanking guitars before 'Island' takes a more sunny and escapist approach to things with bouncing rhythms for days. The Middle-Eastern vibes of 'Yorgo' transport you far away on a magical carpet ride while 'Old Laira Road' couldn't sound further away from the Plymouth patch it is named after as the hypnotic melodies swirl around and the sultry vocals tempt you to the rocks.
The mid-point of the album is marked by 'Mindmasher' and the horns that snake around this one are irresistible as the guitars, drums and keys all skank gently in the background. The harmonica intro of 'Fields of Wheat' is haunting to say the least but then that Balkan energy kicks in again and any sense of self pity or anything maudlin soon flies out of the window. 'Oigel's Lament', however, is a genuinely sad but beautiful instrumental played out by the picking of strings before 'By The Sea' takes the melody on with the addition of percussion and soft, charming vocals yearning for the beach.
Penultimate track 'Kurdili' is a jaunty, folksy romp that will have you dancing around with your arms in the air before you can say 'hey!'. The album closes out on 'Fly Away', a wonderfully escapist song with Jack Johnson and Bob Marley vibes, which will put a smile on even the harshest of visages. This is a great album full of ideas, styles, influences and tempos but I would put money down on the fact that this will be an even better experience when experienced live. Keep an eye out if you know what's good for you.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/thecabarats
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