Congotronics - Where's The One?

Supergroup cross-genre sounds... and a thrillingly wild ride

Regular readers will know that we like music best here at HD when it's mixed up in the often incongruous and surprising ways. Purism has its place but there's nothing quite as exciting as when musicians collaborate across genres and create something new. A recent album that pushes all the right buttons in this regard is Where's The One? by Congotronics International, a collective that brings together some of the biggest names from the Congolese music scene together with respected indie rock acts from Europe and North and South America.The ensemble includes Congolese artists Konono N°1, and Kasai Allstars, US band Deerhoof, Argentinian artist Juana Molina, Swedish pop duo Swedish duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and Matt Mehlan from Brooklyn band Skeletons. Where's The One? has been years in the making, having stemmed from a series of live shows back in 2011. Back and forth remote mixing and production followed, eventually resulting in a lavishly packaged double vinyl album which finally found a release this year.

The album merges the Congotronics sound (ritual trance music + makeshift amplification system) with western indie sensibilities. The new musical shoots are sometimes jarring, yet always fused with a fascinating exceitement and energy. This is polyrhythmic, experimental, boundary-pushing music. It's the sound of musicians reaching out to cross continents and language barriers. I'd say this is one of the most thrilling and genuinely original releases of the year, a truly globalist sound, one that's alive and open to exciting new musical possibilities.

 

Where's The One? is available on CD or deluxe 2LP via Crammed Discs

Kevin Robertson - Why/D.C.B.A-25 (Ltd. 7")

 

 

The Byrds and Jefferson Airplane get a modern makeover on a new Fruits de Mer 7"

Seasons come and go, fashions and tastes change, but some things remain constantly awesome. A well-poured pint of Guinness, log fires in autumn, and quality time with good friends are all things guaranteed to lift my spirits. Other perennial touchstones for me include the music of the Byrds and new vinyl records. They're both things that I seek out whenever I'm in need of a mood-lifting boost. A joy then to hear this forthcoming 7" by Kevin  Robertson on the Fruits de Mer label, which features his take on The Byrds' song 'Why' as one of it's double A-sides. Kevin is the frontman of Aberdeen psych band The Vapour Trails but is flying solo on this vinyl release. His version of 'Why' is respectful to the original's tempo and feel and comes with wonderfully ripping psychedelic guitar breaks. Nice! I wonder of David Crosby has heard it yet. I'd like to think so.

The '60s revisited theme continues on the record's flip side with a cover Jefferson Airplane's 'D.C.B.A-25', a song about LCD no less. Now I'm not one to condone drug-taking, or indeed to condemn it. Whatever gets you through the night is alright by me, just make sure you stay safe folks! I have to confess that I'm not familiar with the original version, but Kevin's has plenty of 12-string jangle, harmony vocals, and hits the hotspot of slightly trippy folk-rock. And if you fancy having a go at the song yourself, the title gives away its chord sequence. How helpful is that! All in all this is set to be one of autumn's best 7" discs. The label has plenty more goodies on the way too, check out their upcoming releases via the links below.

Click here for Kevin Robertson on Twitter

Click here for the Fruits de Mer website

Click here for Fruits de Mer on Twitter 

Click here for Fruits de Mer on Facebook

Hooveriii - A Round of Applause

Hooveriii return with an album of uplifting psychedelic guitar pop

Los Angeles is a city which has given rise to some incredible music since the dawn of the recording age. It continues to do so, as I can confirm having recently had my ears turned towards LA-based band Hooveriii (pronounced “Hoover Three”). The band grew out of a bedroom recording project started by Bert Hoover (Jesus Sons, MIND MELD). The old adage about small acorns is apt here, as Hooveriii has evolved into a truly powerful psychedelic force.

Their latest album, A Round of Applause, sounds like a record that was fun to make, made by a band that would be fun to be in. A refreshing concept in itself! By the band's own admission, A Round of Applause is an unashamed attempt at making a pop record, forsaking the “jam band” approach of previous album Water for the Frogs. Anyone hoping their experimental edge has been smoothed away needn't worry. The album may be big on hooks and melody but there's plenty of left-field touches and sheer sonic brilliance to please listeners who like their sounds to lean towards the proggier, more experimental side.

The album opens with 'See', a twisted take on country rock with twin-guitar arabesques, rolling bass and mysterious lyrics. 'Out of My Time' is a sonic assault on the senses, edging towards industrial rock with its riffs and barrage-like driving drums, before sweet and stately guitar lines emerge from the sonic fog.

'Twisted and Vile' is the first showing of the album's promised pop thrust. It's a minor key affair, underpinned by a programmed electronic pulse, whereas 'Water Lily' has a frantic, unsettled feel at odds with the calmness invoked by its title. With a hint of math-rock in places it comes across akin to Marc Bolan fronting The Cardiacs. A nice thought indeed!

Elsewhere there's an alt-glam stomp to tracks such as 'Time the Outlaw' and leftfield electropop on 'My Directive', even some jazz quall courtesy of the saxophones on 'Iguana'. There's also enough to keep rockers on board. Guitar fans will surely be enthralled by the playing throughout which at times reminds one of Television's Verlaine and Lloyd, Will Sergeant of Echo and The Bunnymen, and Robert Fripp.

Sadly I missed the band on their recent short run of UK dates but hopefully they'll return soon. If that happens I'll see you down the front. In the meantime get familiar with A Round of Applause. You'll feel all the better for it, I guarantee!

 

 

Click here for Hooveriii on Facebook

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Click here for Hooveriii on Bandcamp