Eastblok Music     V.A. : Polska Rootz (PL,2009)**°°

After all the whole new series of bands and groups and projects of Balkan crossovers expanded with some modern rhythms, this concept of  ‘Polska Rootz’ bites in Polish folk roots and shows it as the new futuristic DJ folkhop, and so the compilers looked for other examples which found inspirations of Polish folk with new dance areas. They say “roots-culture” as a term used in reggae or afro-centric context should be given its own meaning in a modern or contemporary context as a way to make the traditions survive better in a new urbanised context, to start with a reinvention on track 1-3 especially. Dance-floor pleasures give a new re-establishment of these traditions, in a same way the Balkan roots context has reinvented into new meaning on the city dancefloor. Also this compilation reveals how the older traditions found new expressions. But also ragga folk is included, a bit away from its first traditions (like by Vavamuffin), not really disturbing the first context. People still adapt rhythms in their own specific and controlled ways. And some known elements reappear with it. Sometimes the adaptations are reconstructed with the same interests for dance-related song of rhythm as for the melodic elements including elements like the folk related violin/female folk choir parts of polka. Not all the tracks have as many real folk guests ; sometimes a mix here and there seems to work as much satisfying. Many of the compiled tracks show different odd combinations being tried out. The album is well compiled, which makes it pleasant to listen to as well. The future (old) Sound of Poland ?

(The last two tracks sound more like dub related bonus tracks using the elements a bit more rhythmically-based "smoothly" rather than as being creative with its taken out elements).

Label : http://eastblok.de/  & http://www.myspace.com/eastblokmusic
Info : http://www.zonic-online.de/
Other reviews : -
POLKA FUSIONS / CROSSOVERS / MIXES

V.A. : "Polska Rootz"
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'Acoustic Fusions' review page
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