Karen and her band have managed to convince the world that Afrikaners is indeed “plesierig.” Seems now it’s the turn of the English speaking South African. Postmodern World is Karen’s first full length English album and on the first listen, it’s an altogether more serious affair than fans might have become used to over the years. Maybe it’s a musician all grown-up. Maybe it’s a band deciding not to get stuck in a rut. Maybe it’s motherhood. She freely admits that hubby and fellow band member Don, and Ben, their son together, serve as great inspiration… for her music and her outlook on life. Whatever it is, it seems to be working out just fine.

Proceedings kick off with “Aeroplane Jane,” also the first single from the album and it takes its place next to “Small Room,” and “Engel” as some of Karen’s best work. “You’re a million miles away. And I miss you so today. Quietly I go insane. Cause I am lonely, Aeroplane Jane.” The song’s also got an infectious chorus that will have you play out the part of Jane in your own head a few times, making you realise that special person in the next room might as well be a million miles away.

Karen admits the new album is a fusion of rock, alternative country and jazz with elements of ska in places. Apart from the mixed bag of fresh sounds, she also roped in a few interesting guests to perform on the CD with her… there’s Arno Carstens on “Silly Town,” afro-jazz guitarist Selaelo Selota on “Hold on to Me” and Martin Rocka from Wonderboom on “Katherine Anne.”

Listening to Karen and the band pour out their hearts and offer their philosophies on life in general makes you wish someone would run a competition where you could win one of only 4 places in a small little intimate restaurant where Karen and the band will perform a few of their songs… just for you. You, your partner, the owner and the kitchen staff… and the other 2 people who have to be journalists to write about the experience the next day. They’d write about you having a glass of wine or two… how you got transported to places far away… a first class ticket, sitting next to Aeroplane Jane… how, later in the evening you all sit around one big table having good food, good conversation, sharing laughs, stories… And the restaurant’s doors would be closed, a PRIVATE FUNCTION sign keeping the rest of the postmodern world outside.

Maybe little Ben will one day blush as Mom and Dad perform “As We Go” on his 18th birthday. Not because it’s a bad song. On the contrary… “I will hold you in the darkest night. I will teach you everything I know. And you’ll teach me. That’s just the way it goes.” Maybe Ben will realise how wise his parents are. Baby you’ve gotta know this world ain’t perfect. But love is perfect, Baby.” Very much like Postmodern World. It’s a work of love after all. So that makes it pretty damn perfect I’d say.