|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LP
|
|
BTR 120LP
|
Muito Kaballa return in style with a refined modern sound on Tomorrow A Flower for the London-based imprint Batov Records, blending indie pop, soul, hip hop, jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and West African grooves. Initially the solo project of tenor saxophonist and composer Niklas Mündemann, Muito Kaballa has grown into a full-blown ensemble, based between Cologne and Berlin. Tomorrow A Flower builds on the success of the ensemble's acclaimed Like a River album, whilst moving away from the previous album's strong jazz leanings, towards a more direct, contemporary yet sophisticated pop feel. Still oozing with soul, and nods to not only African funk and hip hop but strong modern references, including electronic pop favorites "Jungle By Night" and cosmic groove merchants Khruangbin. The album commences with "Loving You", a heartwarming yet almost melancholy groover simultaneously recalling both classic soul, and the contemporary soul of electronic maverick Jitwan. Held to earth by a steady mid-tempo snare-and-tambourine rhythm, whilst the irresistible harmonizing between voice and horn threatens to lift it off the ground as the vocal slowly unfolds. "In My Delir" follows perfectly. Featuring South African singer and KEXP fave, Petite Noir, and shaped in collaboration with Muito guitarist Benjamin Schneider, the song opens with a beguiling guitar riff that melts through the speakers like a disintegrating highlife loop. On the epic album standout, "Make Me Bigger," guest vocalist Jermain Peterson asks the listener to "take my hand and make me bigger", on a stirring ode to friendship and its power to overcome fears and self-doubt. West African grooves and Afrobeats support coiling vines of jazz, soul, and pop that will no doubt appeal to fans of SAULT, Michael Kiwanuka, and Yazmin Lacey. Tomorrow A Flower is a modern classic -- interlacing multiple genres of sound into new perspectives that complement each and leave room for the enchanting and original songs and sounds of Niklas Mündeman and Muito Kaballa.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
BTR 081LP
|
Led by tenor saxophonist and composer Niklas Mündemann, Muito Kaballa are a collective based in Cologne. Originally started as a one-man loop station street show, the project has grown to be known for its eclectic and mesmerizing live show. Acting as the introduction to the musical world and lyrical narratives of the upcoming record "Like A River", the track, leans into the river theme, providing an all-encompassing, flowing journey. Tim von Malotki's percussive bass clarinet lines cut through the meandering wash of Benjamin Schneider's rootsy, highlife-inspired guitars and atmospheric piano flourishes, courtesy of Jan Janzen. Vocalist Nora Beisel floats across the arrangement, backed by emotive horn harmonies whilst reflecting on the change of path at the end of a relationship; a new orientation and course set. "Musically we tried to really engage with the river metaphor. We worked with all these 'water' sounds and effects that kind of produce this ocean vibe. As the song evolves, it also follows along this idea of a river that grows stronger and more dangerous as the current grows." An album focused on transitional moments in life, and separation from ingrained social ideals, Like A River is anchored around the three movements of "Like A River Parts I-III" which act as the record's source, middle and end point. Set to be accompanied by a film to which these movements are the score, it's an achievement of songwriting and collective arrangement, incorporating wide-ranging influences that span Afrofunk, Gnawa, contemporary jazz, and rumba. Whereas their previous albums have mostly linked to afrobeat, and addressed topics like social equality, racial politics and climate change, Like A River is a concept album that takes a more intimate, personal approach. "The album deals with transitioning and separations, taking on ideas like: at age 30 you should definitely have children, a house and a car, or ideas on how to live relationships and love. Separating from these ideas or overcoming them can be challenging..." Tracks such as "Like A River Part II" dip into swirling psychedelia centered around an explorative 12/8 groove, whilst "Carry Me" takes a subtle shift away from the '70s analog sounds favored by the band, combining full bodied synth soundscapes with euphoric horn arrangements. Not content with just its core members, the group also employ the skills of Belgo-Congolese vocalist Reinel Bakolé for "Let Go" and "All This While", further expanding their pool of influence into the world of future soul.
|
|
|
|