Friday, March 23, 2012

CD Review: Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra's 'I Lumia Mo Kher'

Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra
I Lumia Mo Kher
Excelsior Recordings

The Antwerp, Belgium-based, Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra is a purveyor of Balkan-ska-punk music with a lively vibe of crazy horns, wild beats, and party atmospheres that will last long after the tracks end. The group incorporates Belgian, Serbian, Chilean, and Balkan roots with innovative and jaunty tunes. The first track, "Basalaja," features Marko Markovic, while "A La Truko" features MC Sebo and the "Roma Project" features the Kocani Orkestar. The eleven tracks traverse a plethora of styles and languages with rap, reggae, pop, big band, gypsy, klezmer, Balkan, Mediterranean, and ska-punk music topping the primary influences. The album title, which means 'The World Is My House' in Serbian Romani, is a perfect caricature of the group's musical style and arrangements. Gypsy music fans have another fine recording to acquire, thanks to the Antwerp Gipsy-Ska Orkestra. ~ Matthew Forss

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