Afro-electro-disco-funk

This London-based octet presents a danceable blend of electronic sounds, African polyrhthms and dashes of funk and disco. Frontwoman Eno Williams pulls it all together with soulful vocals in the Ibibio language of southern Nigeria. The sparse, spiritual intro track “Voice of the Bird” is followed by “I’m Running,” a brass-heavy, African highlife cut. “The Talking Fish” is a frenzy of textured percussion balanced against a shuffling backbeat and a choice guitar solo. After the high-paced single “Let’s Dance”, the band dials back its busy rhythms on “Uwa the Peacock.” Influences of slow, heavy funk come through on “The Tortoise” and “Prodigal Son. “These tracks feature warm, analog bass grooves and thick drums paired to fluttering synths. A short Amazing Grace rework, “Ibibio Spiritual,” closes the album. Ibibio Sound Machine is a promising debut fueled by an excellent, intercontinental beat.

RIYL: Antibalas, Fela Kuti, John Wizards, The Souljazz Orchestra
Recommended: 3, 4, 5, 7