sleepin’ wit da enemy

Sometimes I will watch a movie several times; only once in a blue moon will I see one twice in a weekend. I have read a several books twice and am planning to reread several more, but this usually occurs after years. while I do see my favorite bands over and over, it’s rare that I will see a band twice in a long weekend. I surprised myself last weekend when I ventured to the City on Thursday with my roomie, did a Santa Cruz road trip with friends on Saturday, and went solo to San Jose on Sunday, all to Katchafire. They are an all Maori reggae band from New Zealand - roots reggae at its finest.

My highlight was hangin’ out with Greenville, Jordey, and Jamey after the show Saturday night. We had a good chat and shared some nice local garlic chicken. I might as well as caught afire. For the record, Katchafire was on fire all three nights. Their concerts are massive singalongs. Reminded me of being in the Bahia for Carnaval where blocks full of people sing the top hits of the year and more generally of Brasil, where locals sing in clubs. Judging by the audience’s ability to sing some many of their songs, Katchafire clearly has a strong base in Northern California. And they all knew my favorite songs.

It seemed like everyone and deh mama was singing “Seriously“. Its about a guy telling his lady friend its time to calibrate. They haven’t been in communication lately; she hasn’t been calling so he doesn’t call much either. When they do talk, he’s been telling her the thumbnail of what’s real for him. He wants to explore the relationship.

He knows she’s been going through a challenging period adjusting to her new life, job, car, city, and home. He knows her job is demanding. But he also knows that she finds time to do her thing and that he does not feel like priority.

He has given a lot of space to get her life under control. He’s been as patient as brotha like him can be and still remain marginally engaged. He told her from the beginning that she could be real with him and he would be with her. Its difficult and they would practice together. But still she’s not communicating what’s really goin’ on…

He has this sense that there is a part of her - her inner hermit - that pulls away emotionally and physically, protecting itself. This part of her is capable of unmatched love and beauty. He knows that this vulnerable part of her is astoundingly beautiful, strong, and amazing. He’s never experienced that part of her. He wants that part of her to shine and he is willing to whatever he can to help support her shining as long as it does not compromise himself. He just wants to give it a real try. Circumstances have been challenging and now he wants to know wassup.

That’s what I imagine when I singalong.

You know you colour me life
You colour me thinking
Colour them cool
And if you’re feeling alright
Then why are we waiting

Another song that gets the crowd going is “Colour me Life“. Colour is about a woman whose very presence enriches this man’s life. Without trying and often not even realizing she positively influences how he sees the world and himself. She models a way of being that colors his thinking, that colors his life - and it colors them cool.

I imagine him seeing more - vibrancy, highlights, detail, connections. She brings out a richness of vision and points out new directions for his gaze. Her presence in his life is like living nearby the fountain of youth. He’s taking better care of himself - wearing his helmet, eating his veggies. The world is more beautiful - he sees lichen on tree trunks, delight in her smile, and new possibilities everywhere.

His life is rich. He wants to make sure she realizes the amazing impact she has had and that he really appreciates her and wants her in his life. He wants to fully explore the possibility of something beautiful and lasting. He wants a partner with whom to explore his newly colorful world.

That’s what I like! Songs that are real stories and bring forth goosebumps as I signalong the hooks. Believe me, Katchafire has show full of ‘em.

The guys in the band are awesome. I like how they carry themselves, from their celebratory stage presence to their grounded and friendly kiwi Maori backstage persona. One love! I especially enjoy watching them switch instruments between songs and share lead vocal duties. In concert, five different band members sang lead in one or more songs.

My recommendation: Buy their albums, go to their shows, catch afire! You won’t be disappointed.

Reggae Rising: please book these guys! They will bring it!

BIG ups to my girl G Fizzle who got me up on Katchafire last summer and made me a sweet Katchafire compilation CD a couple months ago.