Joke & Chakka Svraka – Hope Options LP (PDV)

To be quite honest, we’re living in some crazy, terrible times where ongoing conflicts dictate the global economy and politics lean toward the right-wing approaches that may seem too familiar, if not suspicious. And while the crowd is hypnotized by trends imposed by up-and-coming influences, social media, and streaming platforms, many injustices are revealing themselves before our very eyes, often suppressing those living on the margins. Thankfully, there are still music outlets pointing out all the issues through powerful, meaningful, captivating music. Collaborations like one between Joke and Chakka Svraka is certainly something you do not want to miss out on if you’re looking for socio-political commentary wrapped in catchy soundscapes. A project born between French and Croatian musicians is something unlikely to happen if those individuals do not click almost immediately, and thankfully, the joy of making memorable music with a message that hits you like a more than necessary slap of reality in the face is certainly something these folks were interested in doing so. Their collaborations resulted in “Hope Options,” a colossal slab built upon ten incredible compositions that will immediately force you to move your rusty hips and think outside the box.

With the initial notes and beats, you’ll immediately notice a close connection between Balkan ethno heritage and a comprehensive collection of styles, wrapped into a cohesive whole. Perhaps modern alternative rock comes to mind first, but do not be surprised if you stumble upon some of the finest properties borrowed from hardcore, hip hop, or electronica. It’s a blend famously promoted since the early nineties, but Joke and Chakka Svraka empowered it with fresh energy and a fine blend of ethno and world music. It’s nearly mind-blowing how catchy, memorable, engaging, and captivating these songs are. Surely, some listeners might notice how their sound is similar to Mano Negra, Manu Chao, Ska-P, or Dubioza Kolektiv, but somehow, Joke and Chakka Svraka infused this particular style with that unmistakable international vibe that arrives like a breath of fresh air. It’s nearly mindblowing how all those themes, leads, melodies, harmonies, accentuations, and other embellishments delivered through an impressive brass section blend with excellent guitar works. And the guitars articulate beautifully, with all those heavily, tastefully distorted, unfiltered, raw riffs or jangly, angular, clean, reverby chord progressions, harmonies, and melodies. Both instruments play a significant role here, but let’s not forget all those intricate, groovy, vividly hearable low ends, lurking around and contributing more than necessary heaviness, clarity, depth, and warmth. Besides all of those qualities, the bass guitar serves as a binding element between the mentioned orchestration and rhythm patterns. Speaking of the rhythmic patterns, the drumming is completely insane here, keeping this compositions as groovy, fast, dynamic, and complex as possible. Each beat, break, fill, and accentuation has its place and purpose, making the entire material so danceable, energetic, and powerful. It’s also important to mention how vocals steal the show here. Based on dual vocals, this material offers an entire palette of various vocal techniques, such as clean, melodic, harmonious chants, aggressive shouts, and traditional hip-hop rapping. As soon as you press play, you’ll notice these folks are pros with decades of experience. Joke and Chakka Svraka excel in brutal, honest, meanginful lyricism. “Hope Options” explores various topics, such as authority, police brutality, authoritarianism, capitalism, flaws od modern society, fascism, and more, all while praising freedom, colectivism, free thinking, internationalism, and antifascism.

“Hope Options” is an outstanding album that not only blends sharp lyricism, brilliant ideas, and outstanding musicianship, but also proves that alternative music, when done right, can still sound fresh, unique, innovative, exciting, meaningful, and powerful. If you’re looking for smart, powerful, and captivating music, you should head out to the PDV webshop and score “Hope Options.” Do not miss it!