Channel the Spirits

Intoxicating future-jazz messages from a distant galaxy are beamed your way on this freewheeling psychedelic debut. Conceived as a side project for saxophonist Shabaka Hutching, TCiC benefit hugely from the fact both synth-specialist Dan Leavers and drummer Maxwell Hallett know their way around a 3am dancefloor. “Space Carnival” packs hyperactive afrobeat horns and “Lightyears”—augmented by Joshua Idehen’s charismatic spoken word—is a stunning nebula of frenzied improvisation.

The Comet Is Coming. Our saviours Danalogue The Conqueror, Betamax Killer and King Shabaka come bearing their debut album Channel The Spirits. A prophetic document. A celebration. The beginning of the end. Marvel! As it blazes a streak of phosphorescent beauty across the night sky. Listen! As a trailing meteor shower drops hot coals hissing into topographical oceans. Inhale! The burning funk of strange new flavours. The sound of the future... today. Channel The Spirits is shortlisted for the 2016 Mercury Prize.

Channel the Spirits is such an inspired performance that you forgive Sons of Kemet sax sensation Shabaka Hutchings for finally coming of (space) age.

So prophesied Nostradamus in characteristically apocalyptic style, and the Comet Is Coming, in contrast to the dreamy astral explorations of Washington or Thundercat, is a band that wholeheartedly embraces, indeed celebrates, the beginning of the end.