Ibibio Sound Machine by Ibibio Sound Machine

Ibibio Sound Machine are set to release their debut LP through Soundway Records. Fronted by British / Nigerian vocalist Eno Williams, they combine elements of West African highlife, disco, post-punk & psychedelic electro soul. Preceded by the pulsating first single 'Let's Dance', ‘Ibibio Sound Machine’ will be released 17th March. Folk stories, recounted to Eno by her family as a child in her mother's South-Eastern Nigerian Ibibio language form the creative lyrical fabric of the album. A large dose of electronic elements and an approach as influenced by London as much as by West Africa, give the vocals and guitar lines space to breath without being overwhelmed. From the banging sub-bass of 'Lets Dance' to the spiritual, gospel-tinged notes of the album's opening track 'Voice of the Bird', the band have turned in a dynamic and, at times, beautiful take on modern afro-soul music. The 8-piece live band made their official live debut at this year's Transmusicales in France and will be a name to look out for in 2014.

7 / 10

9 / 10

Soundway's made its name as one of the finest reissue labels for fans of unheralded vintage music from Africa and the Tropical Belt. Lately,...

7 / 10

This is an eight-piece band that veers intriguingly between the contemporary and echoes of the 70s and 80s, writes <strong>Robin Denselow</strong><br />