Paul Cafcae – Longest Day of the Year (2021)
With natural talent, Paul Cafcae embraced music even before he hit “double digits” age-wise. At six years, Cafcae began performing with a rather unusual instrument – the accordion. Can you imagine a six-year-old playing the accordion? Truly unique. However, as years progressed, Cafcae chose to study the guitar and by the time he hit teenage-dom it was his instrument of choice.
While born and raised in the USSR, Cafcae found himself in the USA by the time he reached 15. It was during this time he started writing original material followed by tours across Europe and North America (as support, not the headliner). Gaining inspiration from his European and North American roots, Cafcae’s sound is highly poignant and diverse. In fact, the USSR accent is one of the more intriguing factors…at least, it is for me. The latest addition to his well-received discography is ‘Longest Day of the Year’.
Described by Edgar Allan Poets as “sarcastic and fascinating”, Paul Cafcae combines bold vocals, witty lyricism and enthralling instrumentation with profound depth. A flowing arrangement, ‘Longest Day of the Year’ incorporates dynamic guitars and pounding drums in a strong rockabilly fashion. The interspersed saxophone is both an interesting surprise adding oomph to an already “in your face” song.
While the track may be heard as a bouncy, upbeat song with joviality, there is a juxtaposition in ‘Longest Day of the Year’ and this might be the most intriguing part. As I mentioned, the single has a profoundness about it touching on controversial issues in a smile-inducing package. Paul Cafcae explains that ‘Longest Day of the Year’ is “protest blues inspired by observing personal freedom restrictions, systematic abuse of power, administrative incompetence, the spread of misinformation and the fueling of various civil unrests of the past 14 months…” As I said, a controversial but realistic, engaging and relevant song in this uncertain time.
I find it difficult to compare Paul Cafcae’s unique sound with other artists; however, there is an empowering quality to the engaging track. Superb vocal execution coupled with powerful melodies inspires one to take charge and fight for what you believe in. If I am to listen to this overwhelming single on the longest day of the year, I wouldn’t complain at all.
In addition to the single, Paul Cafcae released an official music video for ‘Longest Day of the Year’. As the video uses strobe effects and rapid image transitions that can cause seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy, I was unable to view it completely. From what I saw it is a video bringing together footage of protests over the past century (give or take). It can be viewed below:
WATCH AT OWN DISCRETION
For more from Paul Cafcae check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
