Go Calypsonian

This selection from the ever ebullient Lord Mouse follows 2010's eponymous debut. The purpose remains unaltered: electric and eclectic calypso with swing, verve and heat. Based in Berlin and fronted by the American-born Mouse, the 17-member Katz are first and foremost a performing entity. Their live sets are dancehall-savvy, fun and crisply executed. But does this energy translate succinctly to disc? ‘Monkey Bop’ and ‘Limbo Song’ are the standouts in a pacey, calypso-soca mode with strong chorus interplays and intricate and melodic horn parts. ‘Edward the 8th’ is an engaging enough variant on the Roaring Lion song ‘Jouvert Barrio’; Mouse's take is acceptable but lacks the intensity and frenzy of other versions.

The same time signature and harmonic interplay feature on ‘White Boy Calypso’ but Mouse's strong vocals and perfectly matched horns on the chorus ensure that it is far more effective. With ‘Barefooted Lover’ – a classic calypsonian tale of love's labour lost – this listener began to tire of Mouse's lead vocals. By the time of ‘Sombrero’ the calypso theme is beginning to seep into a soft, half-way Mexican feel, while ‘Dream of a Jungle Cat’ enters questionable muzak territory, suggesting there is still some way to go.