Archives

Approximately Relevant

View Archives »
Femi Kuti &bull; <i>Stop the Hate</i>

Femi Kuti • Stop the Hate

Afrobeat continues to be a family business for the Kutis, and business is booming. Now representing the middle generation in this dynasty, Femi expertly delivers the expected stuttering beats and political dissent we have come to expect from the brand.

Tony Allen &bull; <i>There Is No End</i>

Tony Allen • There Is No End

This is an ominous title for a posthumous release, but Allen’s stuttering drum work will no doubt stand the test of time, and this melding of his work with more modern non-Afrobeat collaborators is a glimpse of a fascinating future.

The Budos Band &bull; <i>Long in the Tooth</i>

The Budos Band • Long in the Tooth

The Budos Band have a distinctive sound that blends afrobeat, funk, and a herd of thundering elephants that could also be one of the most aggressive brass sections around.

Art d'Ecco &bull; <i>Serene Demon</i>

Art d'Ecco • Serene Demon

Sure, bring your slick neon-tinged indie rock in here. I don't care that you sprinkled keyboards and saxophones all over in addition to the stabbing guitars, distressed vocals, and plucky bass. It just needs a beat we can dance to.