Fancy yourself a connoisseur of the world's most infectious rhythms? Look no further than 'Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil', the latest release from Athens-based archival label, Flee. This sonic odyssey plunges listeners into the vibrant heart of Candomblé – an ancient Brazilian tradition born from enslaved West Africans' ritual drumming circles.
The album's opening salvo is a thrilling blast of authenticity, comprising raw field recordings captured in 1980s Salvador. Ten tracks transport you to the frenetic environment of these sacred ceremonies: 'Ossaim' and 'Xangô' unleash a cacophony of overlapping voices, while 'Ogum' gets your feet moving with infectious clave-style drumming and 'Entrada dos Orixás' conjures waves of sound courtesy of bells and a mid-tempo swing. Ignore the occasional tape hiss – the rhythmic power remains unshakeable.
But that's not all, folks! The second half of the album is where things get truly innovative. Top-notch producers like DJ Anderson do Paraiso, Vincent Taeger, and Xexa take these rich rhythms and turn them into modern dancefloor magic. 'Festa Iansã' transforms percussion into a sparse baile funk masterpiece, while 'O Santo da o Nome' gets driven by breakbeats, creating a funk odyssey for the ages.
The standout track? Swiss artist Jonas Albrecht's seven-minute techno epic, 'All My Love', which builds drum loops into a blistering explosion of sound. Flee's curation is nothing short of genius – an expert blend of sacred and secular that brings this significant cultural artefact to the masses.
And if you're craving more sonic delights? Don't miss Mexican producer Debit's 'Potpourri' (Naafi), a Latin American folk-infused club banger, or Brazilian singer-songwriter Lau Ro's psychedelic bossa nova treat, 'Lau' (Mexican Summer). And let's not forget French producer Akusmi's 'Terra Incognita', featuring an all-star jazz lineup including percussionist Sarathy Korwar and harpist Marysia Osu – a synth-infused masterpiece that's sure to get your spirits lifted.