APHRODESIA

Lagos By Bus

2007-12-30

West coast American band Aphrodesia present their take on West African music with Lagos by Bus, featuring a blend of funky Afrobeat with the smoother highlife style. Lara Maykovich and Maya Dorn sound larger than a vocal duo with their mostly chanted, occasionally interwoven singing, which wafts rich harmonies on the traditional Afro-Cuban hymn for healing "Ago Mado." Although their ecstatic voices open "Ochun Mi" massed horns and a stabbing electric piano straight out of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti’s stylebook dominate the extended groove. “Holy Ghost Invasion” pits its English language invocation against fierce percussion, a theremin effect, and sonic collage in an energetic ditty that ends almost as soon as it begins. Best track honors go to instrumental "White Elephant," which beautifully modulates quiet tension and full tilt boogie, then erupts into Charlie Gurke's throttling baritone saxophone solo. -- Bob Tarte

For over 1,000 world music CD reviews by Bob Tarte, visit BobTarte.com and click on 'Music Reviews.'

More reviews tagged #World

  • reviewed 11/2008

    CRAIC WISELY
    First Cuts First

  • reviewed 06/2004

    Tarika
    10: Beasts, Ghosts and Dancing with History

  • reviewed 02/2006

    ANGA
    Echu Mingua

  • reviewed 08/2016

    The Sound Of Ghosts
    Come Home

  • reviewed 03/2017

    MadeinTYO
    THANK YOU, MR. TOKYO

  • reviewed 01/2007

    OZOMATLI
    Don’t Mess with the Dragon

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.