2019 has been an eventful year to say the least for the jazz fusion band Kundabuffa. With 5 releases under their sleeves, the band have called it a day. Sad but leaving fans with a mark on their hearts, there’s not many bands out there who will make you turn your head and stick their music on repeat. Kundabuffa do both… at the same time. Spiritual and levels of talent that aren’t of anything on this planet, “Kundabuffa is Dead” is a gentle farewell to a band that we will all deeply miss. 

“Kundabuffa is Dead: Prelude” indicates as a message to the species of Planet Earth to simply change their ways. ‘This place is cursed’ illuminates a darker approach for the band who are using their musical powers to highlight that Planet Earth is not at it’s best right now. A computer like vocals lead the electronic based number through a tunnel of doomsday. For people who want to help change this world, listen on… “Hole in My Head” scraps the barrel of completely bizarreness. “There’s a hole in my head” lingers the arrangement while the music includes an African felt percussion. A blend of neo soul with the wackiness of Frank Zappa’s career. The story behind the number tells listeners to ‘trust in Science’, and trust in the system of truth. People get stuck in their ways and listen to superstition (not the Stevie Wonder number, I mean the belief in Supernatural), whereas the truth may not be nice to hear sometimes, but it’s the right way. What I’m liking about the album is the audience, we’re connecting with Kundabuffa not only on a musical level, but a spiritual and emotional one too. 

“Soul to My Skin” grooves into tomorrow with it’s danceable nature. Musically, Theone’s pop like vocals summit the aura with a smokey tone conveying the piece to feel more jazz orientated. It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow to become a masterpiece. The background of the number connects still to the spiritual world and actually informs listeners of planting this seed in yourself to see how it changes over time. Slightly confusing with it’s message, the number is infectious and a pleasant listen regardless.  “Blake Makes Sunshine” draws you in with it’s instrumental arrangement. Featuring Blake Probert completely owning the keys with a contagious tone. Fusing the sunshine power, the summery hit will want you to grab a deck chair and absorb all the ray’s of sun that you possibly can, but do remember your sun tan lotion. A short, delicate track that you won’t get tired of listening to.

“The Devil and The Sun and The Moon” will leave you questioning your existence and the meaning of life. Taking the spiritual side to a completely other level, the 7 minute number will light up your day with it’s outer world like context. What I like about this track the most is that, you can listen to it repeatedly, and have a completely different outlook on life with each listen. Let your mind wonder and escape any type of demons.  “Kundabuffa is Dead: Coda” informs that Kundabuffa are no more, and only exist has a memory now. Escaping the atmosphere with a gentle goodbye, petition for Kundabuffa to come back, please!”

On Bandcamp, the album features 4 remixes beginning with “Soul to My Skin” but this time, the arrangement has been secured in a House mix. It’s the type of track that you’d be dancing along to in a club (if that’s your scene). Kundabuffa reach out to many different genres in their discography, and I’m sure we can all agree how versatile they are. Kundabuffa and their music will live on forever. Previously released cover track from their first collaboration under “Monad”, “Lotus Blossom “ features a full band remix, whereas the first recording of this was stripped back as a duo. Great to hear such a diverse structure in this one. 

“Hole In My Head: Unholy Compromise Remix” may linger on for a strong 20 minutes, but within that time, we hear the band escalate through a progressive arrangement. A bizarre, infectious structure that could be compared to artists such as Miles Davis, Gong and even Allan Holdsworth.  Lastly, it’s the same track but as a 3 and a half minute edit. For any last album, you’d expect high expectations, and Kundabuffa have exceeded my mind with their power of talent. A fantastic band that I will miss dearly, as I’m sure a lot of you will too.

Score: 8/10

https://andyedwards.bandcamp.com/album/kundabuffa-is-dead

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kundabuffa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kundabuffaofficial/