After 25 years since their debut album, the legendary afrobeat Brooklyn-based collective, Antibalas (bulletproof in Spanish) come back to release their new instrumental album, Hourglass, in collaboration with the label Daptone Records. Here we are able to witness the sonic marvel of Antibalas.
The fifth and first track of the album, La Ceiba and Solace, has already been released and La Ceiba can be listened to using the link below:
https://youtu.be/RdXJ5_eUN8Y
Originally founded in 1998 by Martín Perna, the collective follows an afrobeat, jazz and funk inspired style. Their impact on history has marked them as pioneers of the Nigerian Fela Kuti’s heritage, blending culture and political messages into a fuse of many traditional but timeless sounds. Bringing attention to some of the most underrated music of the world, the collective of talented musicians in Antibalas have exerted great fun and effort to commemorate and celebrate the legacy of African, Latin and American sonic histories.
La Ceiba and Solace, the only released tracks thus far, foreshadow a great funky album, incorporating an international blend of musical influences – from punk rock, to afrobeat and latin jazz, Antibalas have taken us through a journey in time. Reminiscent of scenes in the New Orleans bars, Now York streets and Latin Quarters of the world, the music invites you to celebrate a true representation of cultural variety and history. Rising up to their band name, their discography and most recent project shows the bulletproof nature of music and culture – historically, many genres defined as regressive and dangerous have lived on to see the spotlight and became the most important and defining pieces of art, despite efforts to erase them and their audiences. Antibalas has been raised onto the pedestal as one of those most era-defining collectives.
The Fu Chronicles, released 5 years prior to this project, kickstarted a year-long world tour supported by the Grammy nomination for the album as Best Global Music Album. Containing activism and martial arts-inspired messaging, written and conceptualised by the lead singer, Duke Amayo, Antibalas received much critical acclaim worldwide. Unfortunately, the tour had to be cut short due to the pandemic restrictions, and the band reunited in Brooklyn to keep progressing their vision.
Coming back to instrumental roots in Hourglass, Co-producer/founder, Martín Perna explains, “Once a song has lyrics, everyone who doesn’t speak that language finds themselves on the outside. As humans sharing planet Earth, we are all confronting different versions of the same problems: climate change, bad governance, the violence of late-stage capitalism to name a few. We have already written songs about those issues. We haven’t abandoned vocals but on Hourglass we use rhythm and melody exclusively to convey our emotions.” Co-producer and guitarist further developed the vision: “Of all the band’s achievements I’m proud to say this album is a highlight in our career. We recorded it in two days and it stands as a masterclass in world class level musicianship.”
Hourglass is the ideal portrayal of the power of global music. Languages are often a barrier for those strange to the tongue of another man. The new Antibalas project breaks down those barriers, uniting lovers of music, and those who celebrate cultural heritage, on the dance floor. Although the days are getting colder, Antibalas is here to warm our days by transforming them into sunshine-filled landscapes in Latin and African corners of the world.
It’s no wonder that the album takes you into the streets of those worlds. The rich and funky instrumental soundtrack was captured live during two days of recording with various instruments to enrich its melodic expression: from African instruments like the shekere percussion, congas and traditional jazz pieces like the trumpet, saxophones and some classical flutes.
The album has been recognised for the power it gathers in the collective: “Antibalas’s strength has always been in numbers and the power of the collective. The new album draws on compositions written by several current and emeritus members of the group. “Hourglass,” the album’s title track, begins with a plaintive and ecstatic tenor saxophone solo before digging into an intense 12-8 groove. The group pivots with “Lo-Life” highlighting the group’s ability to swing a lá Machito or the 1970s Ghanaian dance band leaders like Gyedu Blay-Ambolley. Others like “Solace,” “Escape” and “La Ceiba,” conjure echoes of the classic Lagos afrobeat sound, albeit spoken with a Brooklyn accent. “Oasis,” the album’s finale, is a step into a psychedelic unknown future, with a deep sense of liberatory funk eternally at its core.”
Gabriel Roth has expressed rhythm to be the key element of music – the true reflection of feeling and emotions in music. This upcoming groovy album is guaranteed to bring some swing back into the Afrobeat and jazz-fused scenes.
Antibalas and the entire history of their various projects, and most excitingly Hourglass, are reminiscent of Gia Fu’s mixes, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if one day we shall hear pieces of their discography on the decks of Gia. With Antibalas’ musical achievements and geniuses, it is all the more deserved to bring colour and variety into our daily routines, especially with the dark winter ahead.
Listen to the full album on streaming platforms now, check out their other pieces and, as always, support your favourite artists by following their social media, attending live shows and supporting them through merch!
Sources:
Interview: Amayo And Martin Perna Of Antibalas On Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, Kung Fu : NPR
Antibalas Announce New Album ‘Hourglass’ | News | Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews
Photo credit: Siorne Jon
Article by Rozalia Lewandowska