Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound

Album review

Congolese collective Kasai Allstars were introduced to the world through their inclusion on 2005's Congotronics 2 compilation, and their music has been remixed by numerous electronic producers, including RAMZi, Daedelus, and Shackleton. On the group's fourth album, Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound, they incorporate electronic beats and synths into their vibrant compositions, adding an extra dose of kinetic energy to their usual arrangements for guitars, percussion (including an instrument with a very distinctive spring-like thwang), and group harmonies. For the most part, the programmed beats mesh with the instruments and vocals without sounding forced. "Olooh, a War Dance for Peace" is fittingly easygoing, with comforting vocals and gentle guitars, yet the polyrhythmic drum patterns are more detailed than one might realize at first. "Musungu Elongo Paints His Face White to Scare Small Children" is a definite highlight, starting out with pumping dance beats, call and response vocals, and blazing guitars, then switching up to a faster, more jumping rhythm and sounding more electric and energized overall. The bright, festive "Baba Bende" is another prime example of the group's gift for arranging complex rhythms which are easily danceable. Drawn from myths and proverbs, the album's lyrics illustrate themes of unity and empowerment -- the group itself consists of members of five bands from the Kasai region, all originating from different ethnic groups with separate traditions and languages. As ever, the group's music finds common ground in varying styles and coheres into a singular whole, coming together with a purpose to uplift and celebrate.
© Paul Simpson /TiVo