The first major single of the former Schwarz Stein vocalist.
It is refreshing to see that even an eccentric artist like Kaya can attract the attention of major record labels. And unlike many others, who adopt a more marketable image along with their major status, Kaya assured his fans that he would stay faithful to his style. In fact, he would now have an even larger platform to promote his cause: the abolition of old ways of thinking, such as discrimination based on gender, birth and skin color.
One glance at the CD cover, which shows him in an elaborate 18th century French ball gown and full drag queen makeup while eating a flower bouquet, proves that he is serious about his promise - at least as far as his looks are concerned. But what about his music?
The CD contains four tracks, which were all composed by Hora, Kaya's former sidekick in Schwarz Stein.
The title track is a simplistic pop tune that opens with electronic shenanigans and a glockenspiel, but both are quickly drowned out by a techno beat that continues to bang on relentlessly through almost entire song. It obliterates any finer details, including Kaya's voice, which is barely challenged by the simple melody anyway. His lyrics, which speak of love and hope, are poetic as always, but in musical terms this song is run off the mill and one of the weakest in his present repertoire.
The two remix versions don't do much to improve this impression. The ~Sweet version~ features SIZNA (Sugar) on guitar, but those who expect to hear dark rock or jazz will be disappointed. True to its "sweet" name, this track is quiet and dreamy, and the ear strains to distinguish the guitar chords from the gently jingling glockenspiel. Kaya sings in a little girl voice that is supposed to sound cute, but the effect is rather creepy. It's a pity; had he used his normal voice this could have been a wonderfully atmospheric ballad.
The ~Kayaless version~, finally, is an instrumental version of the title track, which turns out to be less Kayaless than expected, as he does sing the chorus.
The saving grace of this single is Pourriture noble, a powerful darkwave anthem that, for all its catchiness, also resonates with the emotions expressed in the lyrics. Like in the heyday of Schwarz Stein, Kaya's clear, strong voice soars above glittering layers of electronics and sings of love that borders on obsession - the dark counterpart to the optimism in Chocolat.
Unfortunately, instead of advertising Kaya's considerable talent, Chocolat hides it, but it is worth buying the CD just for Pourriture noble. As a B-side, it may not make it on to the next album.
