Record Label: Asian Flavas
Release Date: April 2006
No Of Tracks: 8

The EXCLUSIVE Album Review of JINX - CULTURE SHOCK is here once again Telling it how it is!

The north of England over the past year has suddenly burst onto the Bhangra scene, with a number of new acts highlights there skills. Now hailing from Manchester the Jinx boys consisting of Jogi and Dubz have released their debut album, Culture Shock. The release has come on a brand new label, Asian Flavas.

Their video medley has been doing the usual rounds on the desi music channels, and has received a high amount of praise, from the makers of the Ominous Dj’s video, X1X Designs. Both videos are available to view under the video section!

Now onto the album, will Culture Shock live up to its name of being new, fresh, urban or just another watered down desi album?

Akhiyan Udeek Diyan, is one of the songs that has been doing the rounds on tv and radio, and it is and old Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan classic re-done. Accompanied by a light dhol, now much synonymous with the Zeus sound, the vocals kick in, with a traditional qawali sound it soon switches into a modern day Bhangra track. Many have tried to fuse these two genres in the past without much success, but I think Jinx have done justice to this classic in the best possible way, the track still keeps its qawali roots, however the fresh beat which accompanies it gives it the Bhangra touch.

Culture shock? From a Bhangra-Qawali track were given a completely English song here, Show You, the album is living up to its name so far! Starting off with smooth flutes the female vocalists’ moves in giving a typical performance, nothing exiciting, yet just enough to keep you interested. Accompanied with a guiter and a deep bassline the beat is simple, but very repetitive. Im not very fond of these songs, but you cant keep everyone happy! Some may like it...

Nachley once again switches things around. This is more reminiscent of a Indian pop tune, the type that appear in bollywood tracks, that try and make out its Bhangra? You know what I mean! The vocalist is pretty average, he does not make the track his own, sometimes getting overpowered by the music. You wouldn’t see me dancing to this one! But as I said with Show you, some may like it.

Everything is slowed down with Yaad, a slow melodramatic tune, about your typical Bhangra ballad. I like this song! The vocalist is very strong, the lyrics are pretty basic which means anyone can have a understanding of this song, which gives its appeal. The music blends in well, Jinx have done their best to make sure it does not over power the vocals. However it can tend to drag on a little bit, the simplicity of the song can soon bore you, you either hate it or love it.

Mc Don D is given the mic duties on Mitra De, bar Apache Indian, not many Asian mc’s have been able to pull off the ‘reggae vibe’ too much, Don D isn’t too different im afraid to say. Its hard to describe this song, I wouldn’t really call it a proper Bhangra tune, the beat is funky, more pop than anything. It’s a track you don’t want to dance to, or pump in your car. Just one of those tracks!

Me being a hardcore Bhangra head, im not too fond of this modern shodern business! In Shisha De Lengha, Jinx have given the first proper Bhangra track of this album, dhol, harmonium, sarangi, dhad, all fused together! Bhangra track yes, but again not for you hardcore heads, but for those who like it watered down, this one is for you.

Gal Sun gives us another slow number, starting off with a soulful guitar; strings and a tabla engross the song taking your attention away from the poor vocalist. The production on this track is very good, throughout this album, Jinx have shown originality. The track isn’t as good as Yaad. However a nice touch to this song is the duet with the female vocalist which carries the track.

Arguably onto the best song of the album, Rang. Don D is back on this track, but unlike his previous effort, compliments this song. This tune is your typical summer track! The beat reminds me of the one used on Kangna, however the track is made its own with the smooth production. Its one of those songs which can be played on a dancefloor, a car or if you just chilling. Defiantly a big tune!

So the first release from the new label Asian Flavas, which promises big things! Although throughout my review the majority of the tracks were not to my liking, when listening to music I do always try and keep a open mind to anything a listen to, but if a song does not come and grab me,  than I’m afraid its forward time! One thing I have to credit Jinx on is their production skills, and originality on the tunes. The track selection is what has ultimately let them down. They have tried to please everyone but in the end pleased a very limited number of people. The video tracks give the impression of a solid album, with both songs appearing at the beginning and end of the album. However the middle lacks any strength or depth. Before you buy this I strongly suggest you listen to the full album first, you may be let down by simply listening to the two video tracks.

The promise is there and I firmly believe we can expect big things from the duo.

Jinx – Culture Shock gets a fortunate 6/10.