Ibibio Sound Machine - Uyai
Ibibio Sound Machine - Uyai
Some sizzling hot electro-funky Afrobeat for what has been an annoyingly frigid March in my neck of the woods. Eno Williams - the singer - has Nigerian roots, but is based in London, and thus there's a lot of contemporary R&B and classic new wave added to the mix. I even hear a bit of grime and UK bass in a few parts. No matter where they take their influence, the band shows a natural pop instinct, crafting danceable, joyful, and boisterously fun songs.
Every element of this record's production is a part of what makes it so good. The vocals are bouncy and then soulful, playing a game of distance, at first inviting the listener in, and then holding them at arm's length. The instrumentals are full of horns, retro synths, and a rich variety of percussive instruments. The beats on this album clang and plink and pop, forming those wonderful polyrhythms that are the specialty of African pop music. The sound of this music is simply addictive.
Strongly recommended for anyone craving a splash of summer. I implore you to listen to it if you haven't already.
Stream in full below via Bandcamp.
Highlights: Give Me A Reason • One That Lights Up • Lullaby
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