We've got Birds, the new release by London's musically omnivorous duo Da Lata, playing in the office today, and it's really hitting that sweet spot. Out tomorrow via Kartel Music group, it's clearly the work of curious and sensitive listeners who are happy to meld Afrobeat at its mellowest with psychedelia, jazz, hip-hop elasticity, and horns recorded in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. But look, don't take our word for it, hear a little for yourself:
This is the video for the album's lead-off track, “Mentality.” You've got lead vocals from the Senegal-born multi-instrumentalist Diabel Cissokho, backing vocals from Nama Cissokho, and a video by Xu Tianhao and Chinese artist Wang Zjian, because you may as well bring in another continent while you're at it. Cissokho joins Baaba Maal on the list of "notable Senegalese Da Lata collaborators."
We're loving that low horn skronk and dubby sensibility, and there's plenty more where that came from, in addition to Thievery Corporation-grade lounge grooves and a pandeiro making 7/8 time seem as natural as 4/4. Give the record a listen when you can.
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