Kula Shaker, ‘K2.0’ – Peace, Love And a Remake Of A Classic Album

Kula Shaker

Title: K2.0

Label: Strange Folk

When the band hit the brit pop scene, they looked backwards. As did others, let’s not forget: Oasis made a career out of doing the same. There was and still is a distinct aura of peace, love and, let’s not beat around the bush here, harmony. That was then and this is now and the band have only changed in so much as they’ve aged. You’re still looking at peace, love, etc, etc.

Of course, this album is K (originally released in 1996) ‘part 2’ but there are difference, this is not a retread. The weight of the years has added a wisdom and a considered viewpoint to the group’s creativity which is for the better. The band seem to be more laid back in their approach to music and song-writing in general. The musings and the waving of the arms begins with Infinite Sun and continues with Holy Flame where a suspiciously familiar train sample book-ends the song (did they steal it from Banco de Gaia’s hard disk, I wonder?) But the tone changes a tad with Death of Democracy which is an interesting comment on world affairs, the mutating effects of capitalism and a bit of hand wringing about future freedoms. Then they run off in all directions at once with an emotional insight into the mind of Mary (Jesus’ mum, yes that one) with Oh Mary, then off to attend a quick revolution with High Noon (“Are you ready to stand?/Stick it on the man”) before ending with a quick Krisha chant.

Kula Shaker still sounds essentially the same. They still do the same things. If you loved/hated them then then you’ll love/hate them now. The overall flavour has just been enriched and the glow is golden. The bottom line is that this sequel to K is actually superior to the original model and, bless us all, so it really should be.

This is a well mastered LP. Not especially outstanding in sonic terms but solid without any issues of problems which is good enough.