SHAKA PONK: Shaka Ponk (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Shaka Ponk has been around for over 20 years, a long time in the music business for any band. Over the years, the combo has become the toast of French rock, crossing borders and winning over audiences and media alike. But now, after a long career, Shaka Ponk have decided to call it a day. Is this the end of the road or just a false start? Only time will tell. In the meantime, this soberly titled "Shaka Ponk" has been released to round off this musical journey.

The cover shows Sam in warrior mode, determined to deliver one last studio performance before embarking on a new life. The monkey, the band's icon, has disappeared to go on the new Extreme album. Shaka Ponk regulars won't be surprised to find the band's energy still intact, despite the passing years. The band's ability to blend rock spirit and melody is unrivalled, and in its early days, it took over from the late Mano Negra's alternative rock with its mix of genres (funk, rock, delirium).

With this latest album, Shaka Ponk wanted to get a message across, and to make sure it was understood, the album includes several tracks written and performed in French, something the band had never done before. In this way, it is perhaps the most committed album the band has ever offered, as if they wanted to make a testament before taking their leave. In a way, "Shaka Ponk" represents a synthesis of these 20 years and, for some of the band members, a crossroads at an age when one begins to take stock. The album evokes the school system, which continues to crumble ('13000 heures'), consumer society ('D'Essence'), misanthropy and social networks ('J'aime pas les Gens'). Very topical subjects that have unfortunately become commonplace.

Musically, we find the same touch that has built the band, made up of nervous, modern passages with the addition of festive electro ('J'aime pas les Gens', a kind of cyber rock), but also slightly suspended movements as if the band wanted to focus on the lyrics (the intro 'Je m'avance'). Among these moments, 'Il y a' stands out, a kind of calm, moving electro-acoustic moment. Shaka Ponk excels in this varied, melodic quest for alternative music. Even if the compositions are based on a classic architecture, the way he shapes them undeniably brings a particular relief. There are occasional nods to Noir Desir in the way he harangues the crowds, and even to Led Zeppelin ('Tout le Monde Danse' is sometimes reminiscent of 'Kashmir').

"Shaka Ponk" is a fitting end to what has been a rich musical career. To have managed to retain such energy and uniqueness after so many years, we can only salute Shaka Ponk's contribution to the French musical landscape. We secretly hope that they'll be back in a few years' time... - Official website

SHAKA PONK

SHAKA PONK

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK