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 BUY + TRACK LIST |
AFRICANISM VOLUME III (YELLOW) |
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Tribal, gettin’-jiggy-with-it, calypso-accented beats in conjunction with reggae-ish vocals drive “Zookey,” the first (post intro) track of world-house on Africanism Vol. III. “Kalimbo” continues the tribal house fusion with its ‘round-the-village-fire chant meets 70s disco soul. “Amour Kefe” is both ancient and relatively recent in its retro tunage, with a distinct aboriginal flavor (mixed with a tropical island tinge) and electronics that call to mind 80s pop. The mamba must have been in mind on “Summer Moon” with its jivey, swayin’ beats, and “Voices” flows with tribal minimalism and groovy vocal textures. “Imbalaye” hauls in a strange techno taste, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition with the by-its-nature, somewhat organic flavor of the world heartbeat of the disc. Just a few seconds of “Jumbo” let you know it’s time for a jungle party. “Antigua” brings in some brass to liven things up. “Talibe” fuses Afrobeats with acoustic guitar gentleness and “Elegba” grooves with a festive spirit. “Viet Dao” rides the waves on a cool steel drum melody. Joviality permeates the energy of “Sye Bwa” and “Samurai Theme” is a hypnotic piece of progdance that explodes into driven house lushness. “Steel Storm” is also progressive but more electrically oriented than some tracks on here, with its world flavahs subtle and slightly exotic. Finally, “Juju Beat” caps off this third volume of Africanism with its own unique sound. This is a rather refreshing mix of tracks and it’s really terrific to hear the house genre given new life by infusing it with such tribal elements. It’s the roots of mankind fusing with the cutting edge of technological dance.-- review by Kristofer Upjohn
You know you’ve got soul - the way you feel dance music’s beats to the depths of your core. Volume III of AFRICANISM, takes us way back to the Motherland, the very home and birthplace of that beat; the origins of dance music. AFRICANISM III takes the beautiful, rhythmic sounds from all over the continent and adds a sexy, French house beat and production style, creating a fresh, soulful, tribal, and undeniably funky sound.
The contributing artists (AKA the ‘Africanism Allstars’) include Tim Deluxe, David Guetta, Yves Larock, KC Flight, Osibisa, and loads more. The man behind the mixer, piecing the album together is world-renowned French producer/DJ Bob Sinclar. AFRICANISM III does an incredible job embracing the many afro-influenced musical styles and instruments, and Monsieur Sinclar’s blends are seamless. The first two volumes were available import-only, so this domestic release is a testament to how massively successful and popular the Africanism sound is becoming.
“Zookey”, an explosive calypso party song, opens the album with that vibrant steel drum sound and Jamaican vocals singing the chorus lyric, “lift your leg up”. The kind of song that makes good girls go wild at beachfront resort vacations.
Osibisa’s “Jumbo” is a dark, tribal chant backed by a wall of raw, syncopated rhythms that keeps escalating higher and louder, and spirals out of control into a hypnotic, transcendent experience. The idea is to not think about it too much, and to just let your body and spirit take over.
The best song on AFRICANISM III is “Kalimbo” by the 1970’s group, Malinga Five; an afro-funk/disco fusion. Friends you must understand how amazing this track sounds. Wild neck-snapping drums, funky rhythm-guitar and bass, acid guitar solos, disco keyboards, and big, powerful melodic male vocals. This song just won’t quit, it’s the kind of anthem that makes you shake your head and throw your arms up in the air.
Energetic, infectious, real, and pure - you need to get back to your roots, and AFRICANISM III can take you there.
tommyboy.com - bobsinclar.com
-- review by Ursula Williams
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