Burrokeets Mas Band is one of the most experienced mas bands on the road. With the band being around for decades, it is one of the most known names, especially around seasoned masqueraders.

They presented ‘Carnevolution’ for Notting Hill Carival 2015.

The band presented 6 sections on the road this year

1. Illimenus
2. Fuschia Storm
3. Ebonites
4. Copper Tribe
5. Ultra Vi
6. Orion Skies

Costumes prices range from £180-£200 for backline, and £200-£250 for frontline. Male costumes are from £150 and individual is £400.

The Presentation

I have to admit the opening of this presentation seemed really unrehearsed. The starting segment with a police officer trying to arrest a masquerader for whining, then a few tshirt masqueraders burst on to the stage. After 3 guys did some dancing that again didn’t seem rehearsed. For me, it wasn’t a great opening to Carnevolution or what the theme was about. It completely missed the mark and didn’t have me excited for the costumes ahead.

The costumes then came on stage with energetic masqueraders, with great movement and smiles. There were some seasoned professionals mixed with newbies, all were equally entertaining in their performance. The costume designs I wasn’t blown away by, they seemed dated. The prices however are lower than some other bands so in turn is does balance out. I do feel a band like this could have come better with the options they had.

Burrokeets had flyers printed with all costume information on to make all their potential masqueraders aware of all prices and options on the night, which I think is great. Essentially the easier you make it for someone to join your band the more masqueraders you will have.

The Theme – Carnevolution

The theme Carnevolution is one of thoes themes that I am still lost on. One that I’m sure I felt like ohhh okay I get it…when I really don’t. The sections are named after different colours so i’m guessing it was more about that but I have to be honest and say I didn’t really think the theme was a well thought out venture. The costumes didn’t feel linked to one anther and I couldn’t really see the story that came of it. Due to the level of the presentation I feel that no-one will ever really get what they were trying to portray.

At the end of the day a band like Burrokeets with so many years behind them will prosper on the road. I personally feel that if they wish to keep up with the new bands on the road they will to need to step it up next year. I love that they’ve kept the essence of older mas bands in having a good amount of sections to tell a story but if that’s lost in translation then it’s hard for people to appreciate the hard work being put in.

Check out all the pictures from the launch here

My Mas Score 6/10