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 Temple of Sound
Globalhead (Namaste/Koch, 2007)
Globalhead, the much anticipated new album by Temple of Sound head is finally out. The world beat collective includes former TransGlobal Underground musicians and they carry proudly the torch of edgy global electronica to new territories.
The album opens with "Globalhead," a fabulous rhythmic piece that brings together many of the renowned collaborators who participate in the recording. Together with the electronic beats and spoken work of Neil Sparkes and Dubulah, we find the trademark vocals of the queen of world music, Natacha Atlas, together with Qawwali masters Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan.
Next come the African influences on the dreamy "Take a look at the World" , with Temple of Sound's layers of electronics blended with ilimba (thumb piano) and vocals by Hukwe and Charles Zawose.
Natacha Atlas returns with "City of God", wrapped in a relaxed samba groove, singing in several languages, along with Neil Sparkes' English vocals.
The percussive "Izulu Li Ya Duma" combines psychedelic guitar with Zulu vocals. Meanwhile, "Wings of Desire" has an R&B feel.
Dub Reggae beats play the main role in "I'm a Stranger Here Myself." Another sharp turn takes the music towards Ethiopian influences on the hypnotic "Axum Dub," which features Natacha Atlas together with Qawwali masters Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan, as well as Getachew Mekurya on sax.
The percussive "Garden of Perfume," introduces additional heavy weights such as global electronica innovator Jah Wobble on bass and Junior Delgado on vocals.
Middle Eastern electronic strings and effects surround heavy drum beats on "Blues for Babylon."
African drumming returns with "Afrika Temple," with numerous layers of acoustic and electronic drums and percussion, including balafon and jembe.
"Dust of Empire" brings back the cool electronic beats, accompanied by vocals by Neil Sparkes, and Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan.
The album ends with scorching belly dance drums and a mystical qanun by virtuoso musician Abdullah Chhadeh mixed with violin and electronics.
Temple of Sound and Natacha Atlas seem to produce some of their finest music when they work. Let's hope there will be more of these collaborations.
Buy the CD:
Read more about the CD: Descriptions of Temple of Sound's Pieces on its New CD.
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