Black Ants Always Fly Together, One Bangle Makes No Sound

by Kasai Allstars

Overview

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 that 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 band'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

Product Details

Release Date:	09/10/2021
Label:	Crammed Discs
UPC:	0876623008248
Rank:	179635

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kasai Allstars   Primary Artist
Baila Tshilumba   Xylophone,Vocals
Mokonkole Diesel   Drums
Mopero Mupemba   Guitar,Vocals
Pedro Mukenge   Drums
Mputi "Mi Amor" Ebondo   Vocals
Ngoyi Nkishi   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Ntumba "Muambuyi" Ngalula   Vocals
Tandjolo Yatshi   Lokole,Vocals
Bijou   Vocals
Kabongo   Vocals
Kayumbi Tshali   Vocals (Background)
Mandateur   Vocals,Likembe
Mi Amor   Vocals
Papy Atuke   Synthesizer
Kabongo Tshisense   Likembe,Vocals
Muambuyi   Vocals

Technical Credits

Benoit Van Maele   Photography
Mopero Mupemba   Producer,Programming,Rhythm Programming,Composer
Tandjolo Yatshi   Composer
Gregory Bauchau   Mixing
Silvia Baldan   Artwork
Kabongo   Composer
Mi Amor   Composer
Papy Atuke   Engineer,Programming,Rhythm Programming
Baila Tshilumba   Composer
Muambuyi   Composer
Jean-Pierre Chalbos   Mastering
Vincent Kenis   Photography,Mixing
Kasai Allstars   Arranger