Orchestre Poly-Rythmo

The tenacious intensity of this album, stemming from rich Vodoun rhythms, is not for the faint of heart. Swirling bass lines intertwined with insistent bell patterns on tracks such as "Ou C'est Lui Ou C'est Moi" launch guitar and organ solos laid down at EMI in Lagos (the studio where the group recorded, made famous by Fela Kuti) into outer space. Some 40 years later, it still sounds hip and cutting edge. This potent Afrobeat record (laced with elements of psychedelia, prog rock, Tropicália, salsa, American funk and R&B) captures Poly-Rythmo at their zenith, delivering a seamless fusion of traditional Vodoun rhythms from their native Benin with musical genres from across the globe. After formidably zeroing in on one particular stretch of West Africa over the last few years, Analog Africa delivers the goods yet again with this reissued EP from the group that have been its bread and butter. Following five years of countless personnel, management and name changes, the key ingredient is singer/composer Vincent Ahehehinnou, whose shrill vocal proclamations and melisma (complete with slap back echo) are second to none. Spearheading the brand new "Limited Dance Edition" series is an enthralling record from one of the continent's most innovative and pre-eminent bands. Smouldering from the start, it heats up immediately and burns briskly. Highly recommended for Afrobeat aficionados or curious listeners seeking the sound of Africa's Vodoun children.