I first wrote about Brooklyn’s Ivana XL (facebook/twitter) back in 2008 when a hand-scribbled CD-R arrived in the post containing her soft and subtle tones overlaying the off-kilter guitar, and my musical crush developed. Now she’s back with a whole host of new material that’s she’s posted for all and sundry to download for free over on her Bandcamp.
The songs sway following an almost gyps-folk tradition, with an innocence that has allows her to stray away from more traditional song structures when she feels the need. She manages to step with ease between the past and the present, between joy and pain, and even manages to make the chorus of “blood, blood, blood” on Meat soundly sweetly beautiful. And I challenge you not to fall in love with her stripped back rendition of Nobody Does It Better.
“World music” and “collaboration” are usually two words which, when used together, point to a midlife crisis. There’s only been one album that I can honestly say has triumphed in this field and it was The Hour Of Two Lights by Terry Hall and Mushtaq. However in my mind, Terry Hall can do no wrong so it’s a bit of a biased opinion if I’m honest. It really is brilliant though and well worth a listen.
Anyway, when I heard the deafening news that Damon Albarn was to embark on that same treacherous journey venturing across a sea of genres and submerging himself in all things Congo, I was honestly expecting a below par jamboree.
To go to a country which is still suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises was a stunt that would include only the most gracious of rock stars. My head conjured up images of a felt tipped Chris Martin and a greasy haired Bono who, with a camera crew in tow, would sing a lovely acoustic number about death and famine whilst they shared a cup of tea with some of the leading Conga rebels and peace would be restored for eternity.
So what a surprise it was to find out that it was Damon Albarn, Dan the Automator and their elite producing posse who would be dusting off their action sandals to go and record an album for Oxfam in… Oh around about seven days. It’s not the first time Albarn has attempted something of this magnitude, back in 2002 he released the Mali Music Project. You could say that DRC Music (facebook/twitter) is a better organised, more confident version of Mali. With a whole troupe of local musicians, including Tout Puissant Mukalo, Nelly Liyemge and Evala Litongo plus a production team working around the clock, DRC Music’s first album Kinshasha One Two was born.
Although the each track must have encountered a lot of forward planning, it is unbelievable to think that this album was recorded within a week. The opening track Hallo is a cracker combining old school dub with a hazy backdrop. It’s really difficult to put your finger on the general sound of this album; it’s sporadic, it’s melodic, it’s frenetic and it’s mellow. The speedy vocals and dynamic instrumentals mixed with electronic beats of African Space Anthem, echoes the frantic urban living on the streets of Kinshasha.
Another firm favourite is If You Wish To Stay Awake; a rather harrowing mix of up tempo electronica and percussion where you can really see the influence of Gorillaz coming through. Three Piece Sweet Parts 1 & 2 again offers a heavy and up tempo electronic sound plus vocals from Bebson. This track is one that will definitely have the dancehall up and jumping. Love offers a stripped down a cappella track, which does come as a welcome respite from some of the heavier tracks that are sprinkled across the album.
All in all, it’s a great effort from DRC Music that offers a completely fresh perspective on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even better is that is raises the profile of local musicians, as well as ensuring that the public don’t forget the humanitarian issues that are still tearing this country apart.
DRC Music – Kinshasa One Two is available digitally now and will have a physical release on Warp Records on 7th November
We have a new song! We Have Band (facebook/twitter) are officially back, and are preparing a brand-new album for release “in early 2012″. Exactly how early, they’re not saying, but I, for one, am hoping it’s January, because on the evidence of Visionary, it’s going to be just as good as, if not better than, their 2010 debut.
It’s arguably their most immediate song to date, which could mean one of two things: We Have Band could be moving in a (relatively) more accessible direction, or this could be a curveball. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it was the latter; the band are known for doing just that kind of thing. Stylistically, their debut was all over the place, but everything worked really well. Who knows where Visionary, a song which puts emphasis on bass and drums yet manages to show its dreamlike, almost ethereal side at the same time, and still find room to pack in a powerful chorus, will fit in? There’s no point guessing at this early stage, that’s for sure; no doubt it’ll work even better in album context. Welcome back.
