Just Jinjer has always had a special place in my heart - pretty much being the first South African band I became a fan of. I have fond memories of myself and friends dancing along 'madly' to songs "I like you madly" and "Father and Father" when we were in our teens. So it is great to find that even though ten years have passed Just Jinjer is just as pleasurable to listen to as it was back then. And even though my musical tastes have changed since I was fourteen I can still count myself a fan.
The title and first track Milk and Honies is classic Just Jinjer at their best; a warm upbeat catchy song that I can't get tired of hearing. Tracks "My My My" and "Mr Morgan" show that the band are as politically and socially conscious as ever and even when living overseas for a decade never forgot issues that were close to home and their hearts. "My My My" speaks of the many homeless in the world and how we should try and make a positive difference to their lives. "Mr Morgan" speaks about the tragic situation in Zimbabwe and urges the public not to give up on a free and fair Zimbabwe. The hit "What He Means", the ultimate 'peace on earth and good will to all men song', is included as an acoustic version.
It is testament to the band's abilities, timelessness and classic sound, that even after a decade away they have not been forgotten and their return has been welcomed and celebrated by many. And even though they have returned to a South African music scene that has greatly matured and grown since the late nineties they have comfortably slipped back from where they left off and are sounding better than ever.
