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  Aphrodesia
Shackrobeat Vol. 1
(Flatbed
Lamborgini Records FLR808, 2003)
Though they've been pegged as part of the current Afrobeat revival, San
Francisco's Aphrodesia go beyond that. Yes, their music is full of the same sort
of interlocking guitars, uninhibited horns and layered percussion found in the
pioneering work of the late legendary
Fela
Kuti and bands like Antibalas who superbly carry on his legacy. They also
have a fancy for highlife, makossa, Caribbean rhythms, celebratory vocals and
other touches that enhance the combination of African grooves, James Brown-ish
funk, freeform solos and lengthy running times that have largely characterized
Afrobeat up to now. So, having taken care of categorization or the lack of it,
let me say that this CD is pure dynamite. From the ear-catching percussion swirl
that starts things off to the dub reggae trance that closes the proceedings,
it's a musical trip that pleasingly visits many key spots in Africa and the
African diaspora.
Lead singer Lara Maykovich spent a couple years in Ghana and Zimbabwe
researching and studying African rhythms, songs and dances, bringing a
multilingual deep roots feel to such songs as the opening "Olondo," "Ting Be"
and the stunning "Black Rhino," on which a lovely
Stella Chiweshe-type mbira is urged along by drums and vocals that gradually
seem to shed their frailty and become more assured. Truly inspired, as is the
whole album. Every member of the 11-piece band contributes memorable work, be it
in the spotlight or in a supporting capacity. In fact, it's a communal spirit
that you feel in this music, a spirit that makes you forget your problems and
dance or listen closely to the wisdom a song might offer along with an
unfailingly sumptuous groove.
Shackrobeat Vol. 1
seems a good descriptive word for Aphrodesia's sound- it's
rustic and unpretentious, while possessing a certain sturdy charm. There's
plenty to savor here, but with any luck at all the "Vol.1" in the title is
indicative that there's more down the line. Obtain this disc without hesitation,
and keep your eyes and ears open for further sounds from the shack.
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