This is most definitely not the case, as the group makes it very clear that the such issues know no racial divide and are in fact universally relatable regardless of nation or creed. It would be far too easy to suggest that these issues are relevant only in the impoverished nations of Africa, and that a group of white musicians is using their good fortune to shine a light on the plight of the “dark continent”. The collaborative spirit here is openly and explicitly addressed, as many of the songs deal with issues of social relevance such as relationships between rulers and people, and labor relations. The result is that the lyrics are sung in a variety of languages, from English, Dutch, French, and Dioula.Īlthough at first listen the sound seems to be a synthesis of “indie” rock and Mandingue music, it goes a little deeper than that, as the band prefers to push the boundaries of harmony, and form, as well as force themselves to move beyond their simple comfort zones, as is often the case with a collaboration between groups from such divergent cultural and musical backgrounds. Much of the success from this album comes from the fact that this is not simply a pre-established band inviting a few backup musicians to play with them rather, it is a full partnership, a true collaboration, right down to the lyrics being taken from and inspired by the poetry of both Deme and Kibie. In addition to bandleader Stef Camil Carlens, there are prominently featured vocals from Awa Deme, a fantastic, emotive singer from Burkina Faso, as well as balafon player Mamadou Diabate Kibie. Zita Swoon Group, formerly know simply as Zita Swoon when they were considered a more “normal” rock band as opposed to their more amorphous current incarnation, is a collective based in Antwerp, Belgium that, on this album, specializes in a brand of indie rock that melds the typical guitar-bass-drums lineup with several instruments of a more traditional vein of African instruments the balafon, an analogue of the xylophone, and a great number of small percussion instruments.
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