Mark Ernestus' Ndagga Rhythm Force - Walo Walo - 12" Vinyl

Three killers heralding the next phase of this dazzling expression of a dream Dakar-Berlin nexus. All instrumental -- though the opener has snatches of singing -- with the vocal versions held back for the new album, out in the Autumn. The music just gets deadlier and deadlier -- harder-boiled and deeper; more focused, confident and dub-wise. Evoking the ancient cultural legacy of the griots, 'Walo Walo' is also the name of the sabar rhythm underlying the opener, which features Ibou Mbaye's percussive synth-work, Mangone Ndiaye Dieng's kit-drumming, and Bada Seck's rigorous jolts of lower-pitched Thiol drum. The 'Groove' version is tough as nails; well and truly gnarly. A tribute to the Baye Fall leader, 'Ndiguel Groove' is a sparse, mellow interpretation of the most traditional cut on the album, showcasing Assane Ndoye Cisse's insinuating guitar lines, Laye Lo's super-elasticated snare-drumming, and Bada Seck playing the khine drums associated with the Baye Fall. (Short and wide; lightweight but low-pitched.)