Released on Merge records with none other than the members of Hot Chip manning the studio controls, Ibibio Sound Machine’s fourth album ‘Electricity’ is yet another recording heavily influenced by the recent global malaise.
Unsurprisingly, the new collaboration means Eno Williams and bandmates have embraced a more electronica fuelled direction. However, the crisp cool austere synths have not diluted the warm, alluring and sometimes chaotic West African influences that have made ISM such a popular draw. With band members and collaborators self-confessed Moroder nuts; modern European and traditional African textures wrap symbiotically around each other, the precise blend customised to suit each individual track.
Opener ‘Protection From Evil’ expertly captures the current zeitgeist, articulating a desire to embrace the power of love instead of the love of power. Williams scolding Ibibio lyrics interspersed with English, setting a familiar tone throughout the album. Sublime lead off single and title track borrows so brazenly and completely from Grace Jones that the band totally get away with it, like someone hiding in plain sight. Phat synths underpin a sparse vocal, the woodwind powered rhythm suddenly and effortlessly giving way to a distinctly tribal middle eight, keeping your arse involuntarily wiggling throughout.
The clever 80s electro-funk crossover of all ‘All That You Want’ oozes aloof sophistication, the playing hard to get Williams clearly wearing the trousers as Bannerman’s guitars vie with short sharp blasts of brass poking and prodding like they’ve been lifted from a Phil Collins record. Indeed it’s as if Hugh Padgham has briefly snuck into the studio disguised as Alexis Taylor!
‘Electricity’ is not without its tender moments too, ‘Wanna See Your Face Again’ is a fine slice of brooding clubland electro-pop, brimming with desire and yearning, the two way vocal and Afrobeat bells and whistles around the edge finishing things off beautifully. Then there’s the disarming charm of the serene ‘Afo Ken Doko Mien’, its nagging yet soothing, almost hymnal lullaby giving the listener a welcome otherworldly oasis of respite amidst all the hustle and bustle.
The rhythms inspiring frenetic closer ‘Freedom’ are straight from the water drumming women of Cameroon’s Baka region. With mischievous electronica sprinklings added for good measure, the song’s core mantra of ‘Rage, Hope, Cope, Soul’ is perhaps one of this excellent record’s key takeaways
Words - Mike Price
‘Electricity’ is out now via Merge Records
Ibibio Sound Machine official
UK Tour Dates:
Mar 28th | London - Rough Trade East
Mar 30th | Bath - Komedia
Mar 31st | Worthing - The Venue
Apr 1st | Manchester - Band on the Wall
Apr 2nd | Cardiff - BBC 6Music Festival
Apr 3rd | Birmingham - The Castle & Falcon
Apr 7th | Newcastle - Wylam Brewery
Apr 8th | Glasgow - St. Luke's
Apr 9th | Leeds - Belgrave Music Hall
Apr 14th | London - Electric Ballroom