Where's the One?

AlbumApr 29 / 202223 songs, 1h 21m 56s
Tradi-Modern
Noteable Highly Rated

Collectively created by the supergroup comprising Konono No.1, Kasai Allstars, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, and Skeletons’ Matthew Mehlan, this epic collaborative new album gathers 19 musicians from across four continents, working together to create a new musical language that combines the traditional music of the Congolese artists with the various experimental rock styles of their admirers based in Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Its 21 songs consist of live concert recordings and studio tracks produced in the years before, during, and after their Congotronics vs. Rockers tour in 2011. The tour brought these acts together for the first time—all in all, ten lead vocalists, five guitarists, three likembe players, five percussionists, two bass players (including Crammed Discs’ Vincent Kenis), and three drummers—for performances at 16 major festivals and venues in ten countries. The recording process continued remotely on and off in the years that followed until it was finalized in 2021 by Deerhoof’s John Dieterich and Greg Saunier and Crammed Discs’ Marc Hollander.

Congotronics International was formed in conjunction with the release of the 2010 compilation Tradi-Mods vs Rockers, which featured dozens of indie rock and electronic artists remixing or interpreting selections from the Congotronics album series.

9 / 10

Congotronics International, a supergroup of Konono Nº1 and Kasai Allstars members and guests, make their recorded debut with 'Where’s the One?' It's phenomenal.

75 %

7 / 10