It was around this time a couple of years ago that the pairing of Chouk Bwa’s potent Vodou rhythms and The Angstromers’ electronic beat reductions first rumbled sound systems far and wide. Their album ‘Vodou Ale’ stepped out way beyond any Haitian roots meets Belgian minimalism tag, this was more than fusion it was a fused new sound, respecting and reframing the raw energy of its origins. So any news of further adventures for this vibrant collaboration demands attention – listen up.
Ahead of a new album next year, Chouk Bwa & The Angstromers will be releasing the first of two ‘Ayiti Kongo Dub’ EPs on Bongo Joe on 1st July, with a preview from #1, ’Agwetarayo’, listener ready from 25th May.
It’s a track that will keep global beat seekers more than occupied. Propelled by fine- tuned rhythmic calibrations, the snares and hand drums tighten up to gain an urgent, mesmerising momentum. With The Angstromers’ weighty sub-bass ballast keeping ‘Agwetarayo’ anchored, there’s space for Gomez (Djopipi) Herris’s swirling vocal incantations to snake around the cut’s insistent thrust. The band may be stripped down to a five piece for this excursion but this trim brings a harder edge and leaner focus to the sound.
As inventive as early Congotronics, as electric as any Nyege Nyege Tapes blast, this is going to be a big year for Chouk Bwa & The Angstromers.
You can pre-order Ayiti Kongo Dub #1′ from your local vinyl stockist or direct from: https://choukbwa.bandcamp.com/album/ayiti-kongo-dub-1
