Uyai [Digital Download Card] [LP]

by Ibibio Sound Machine

Overview

Following the warm reception of Ibibio Sound Machine's 2014 self-titled debut, the London-based collective unexpectedly signed to American indie rock powerhouse Merge Records for the release of sophomore album Uyai in 2017. With this release, the eight-member group continues its blend of West African rhythms, disco, funk, and electro, adding a bit more post-punk and new wave this time around. Dynamic frontwoman Eno Williams is still the star of the show, and while many of her lyrics (sung in Ibibio and English) are still based on Nigerian folktales, this album is more socially conscious, reflecting on recent events and the general state of the world. Opening song "Give Me a Reason," an ecstatic highlife/electroclash crossover, is about the abduction of 276 female students in Chibok, Nigeria in 2014. Dealing with such heavy topics, the album has a slightly darker edge, but it's still incredibly playful and celebratory. This is hopeful, all-inclusive music that calls out for the liberation of women and Africans, as well as freedom for the human race in general. Most of the songs are party jams, combining '80s R&B/funk melodies, shuffling drums, blazing guitars, and fiery horns with strong vocals and playful synths. "Joy (Idaresit)" has distorted post-punk bass guitar along with complex drumming and swirling echo effects. "Power of 3" brings the live drumming and bass guitar to the forefront, but is still adorned with spacy disco effects. "Trance Dance," all the way at the end of the album, is absolutely frantic, with ultra-busy drumming and giddy vocals. The album does cool down on a few occasions, however. The loose, airy "Quiet" and electro-tinged "Lullaby" are both self-explanatory, and the soft, sighing "Cry (Eyed)" is also appropriately sad and bittersweet. Uyai is a fine, boundary-pushing follow-up to an arresting debut. ~ Paul Simpson

Product Details

Release Date:	03/03/2017
Label:	Merge
UPC:	0673855058511
Rank:	64174

Tracks

1. Give Me a Reason
2. The Chant (Iquo Isang)
3. One That Lights Up (Andi Domo Ikang Uwem Mi)
4. The Pot is on Fire
5. Quiet
6. Joy (Idaresit)
7. Power of 3
8. Lullaby
9. Guide You (Edu Kpeme)
10. Sunray (Eyio)
11. Cry (Eyed)
12. Trance Dance

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Ibibio Sound Machine   Primary Artist
Kristian Craig Robinson   Flute,Mbiri,Synthesizer
Derrick McIntyre   Bass
John McKenzie   Bass
Scott Baylis   Trumpet,Synthesizer
Alfred Bannerman   Guitar
Emmanuel Rentzos   Keyboards
Anselmo Netto   Percussion
Max Grunhard   Sax (Alto),Synthesizer,Sax (Baritone)
Tony Hayden   Trombone,Synthesizer
Dan Leavers   Keyboards
Beth Mburu-Bowie   Vocals (Background)
Jaelee Small   Vocals (Background)
Jose Joyette   Drums
Eno Williams   Vocals
Marilyn David Huck   Vocals (Background)
Affiong David Ekwere   Spoken Word,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Kristian Craig Robinson   Additional Production
Craig Robinson   Mixing
John McKenzie   Group Member
Vanessa DeJongh   Design
Guy Davie   Mastering
Scott Baylis   Group Member
Alfred Bannerman   Group Member
Dan Wilton   Photography
Anselmo Netto   Group Member
Benedic Lamdin   Engineer
Daniel Murphy   Design
Max Grunhard   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Group Member
Tony Hayden   Group Member,Additional Production
Dan Leavers   Mixing,Additional Production
Jose Joyette   Group Member
Ibibio Sound Machine   Composer
Eno Williams   Group Member