"Man With No Door," the long-awaited and much-anticipated album, has finally arrived, leaving those who previewed it in awe of the production. "Man with No Door" is an open concept album featuring a mixture of musical styles. The band not only created an album with Soca beats but also infused it with a diverse range of musical vibes. The album incorporates elements of Soca, Kompa, Afrobeat, Dancehall, and Calypso double entendre. While Soca is the life of the party, there are different aspects to parties (or, as we say, fetes during carnival time) that Caribbean people feel and desire as the night unfolds. The DJ will feel the vibe of the crowd and deliver the appropriate music. Kes has delivered sixteen songs, all of which can find a place in such a party scene. 

 

When interviewed by Billboard magazine about the album, Kes stated, “I am the man with no door. I want to create this world based on that experience.” And with that, he delivered music that brings the Caribbean region together with artists from Jamaica, Haiti, and US influences. 

 

We love the album, and we are confident that you will love all the songs. We will take a moment to briefly talk about three songs: "Jolene," "Tack Back," and "Banga." We especially love the double-entendre that "Jolene" delivers with "how yuh mango sweet so." That is literally true, but then again, the double entendre here is obvious.

 

Next is "Tack Back," a song that Kes did with producer "Tano." If you grew up in the Caribbean, the term 'tack back' would have been part of your daily vocabulary. Kes was diplomatic in his explanation of "spin the block," stating that it was something that happened during the carnival. But no, "tack back" in the "hood" meant, for us, to make a move after failing the first time with regard to a relationship. Yes, your pride tells you that she is yours and that you can make it work, so you decide to "tack back."

 

Finally, "Banga." If you watch the music video, the mischievous look on Kes' face says it all. This is a mischievous song, but one that many love. In that billboard magazine article, Kes said it all: "Banga" was actually out of a writing camp. Every so often, I’ll settle in a place and bring food and vibes and people, and we write. We had Jamaica’s Carnival, and I stayed on for a few extra days to do this writing camp in Jamaica. JA is just such a beautiful island, and because it's away from home, there's a sense of urgency to get something done. Again, it was out of fun. "Banga" is not a real world; we merely created it to allow you to interpret its meaning as you see fit. It sings how it feels. For us, it was just that blend. It sounds like it could swing in an Afrobeat way; it sounds like it could swing in a reggaetón way. "Banga" incorporates elements of various genres, yet it remains uniquely Trinidadian. You have to interpret it the way that you would like to interpret it. It's open to interpretation. I love that creation. 

 

The rest of the album is excellent. Songs like "Liki Tiki" and "Jub Jub" are teasers but then there is "Talk To Me" that calms the storm.  All of the songs are ones you can listen to over and over again. This blog has always favored "KES the Band." We love their style, and they have always delivered the music we all love. We still think "Savannah Grass" should have been Road March, but in the end, "Savannah Grass" will live on like Kes the Band, and the rest will just be a note in history. Please go out and buy the songs. Support KES the Band, an awesome band from Trinidad and Tobago.