Zap Mama

For this album, Marie Daulne, the creative force behind Zap Mama, continues the incorporation of hip-hop & R&B into the group’s sound. The results on this record are seamless and unforced representing a diasporic groove triumph. Working largely with affiliates of Philly’s currently vibrant soul movement, Daulne manages to make accessible tracks and still incorporates the complex use of voice as an expressive instrument, synonymous with Zap Mama. "Bandy Bandy,” with Erykah Badu, stands out because of its polished immediacy and the presence of ?uestlove of the Roots, Bahamadia & Lady Alma on the loose jam session feel of "Show Me The Way,” only exalts the high energy jam. Despite their high-wattage presence, the guest artists do not overshadow Daulne’s creative vision — they complement it. It’s evident that even the most accessible songs like the straight-ahead R&B of "Sweet Melody” and "Zap Bébés,” which cleverly utilises baby gurgles and exclamations contain latent sonic quirks. Whether it’s in the form of differing languages, handclaps, vocal idiosyncrasies or hums, Daulne’s deceptively meticulous attention to sound brings layered aural pleasure that will thankfully take several listens to unravel.