Zambia’s zamrock pioneers with (with the acronym ‘We Intend To Cause Mischief’) and still fronted by original member Emanuel "Jagari" Chanda, return with their special fusion of infectious psychedelic, 60s garage-inspired funk rock and and afrobeat, with a meaty, melodious, selection of catchy new numbers. Joined by the veteran, but slightly later member keyboardist/composer Patrick Mwondela, but more recently Cuban-Dominican percussionist Charlie Garmendia, guitarist Stefan Lilov, Jacco Gardner on bass, Nicola Mauskovic on drums, and two singers from Zambia, Hannah Tembo and Theresa Ng'ambi. Sogolo means “future, or front” echoing a longstanding ethic of the band, going back to their 1980 disco album, Moving On. Their songs often emanate in part from jams, and this second album (following 2023’s Zango) since the re-emerged from a 40-year hiatus, and this, recorded in Big Snuff Studio in Berlin, is just as fun, vibrant and infectious as the last. Highlights include the singles Queenless King, which deals with the perils of marriage, specifically what happens when family pressure forces a bad decision, and picking the wrong person. Kamusale, with crunchy guitar, has a parallel theme. Based on a children’s game song which also warns of bad marriage pressures. As Jagari says: “Children gather under the moonlight in the village and pretend to be preparing themselves for marriage. So we are saying as kids, be careful who you pick. Don't follow the beauty of the face or body. Go deeper into the character and make sure you are marrying the right person.” But there are non-stop delights in the momentum, mischief and musicianship of this entire album, from the meaty funky of Nadi, the beautifully soulful and tender Tiponde Madzi, the gentle rhythms of Bang Bang, the wonderfully warm, catchy acoustic guitar-based Mbangula Sesa, the fuzzy psych of (In Memory of) John, the the deep funky afrobeat trills and skipping rhythms of Dancer On A Trip, all the way to closer Machiriso. Fabulous, stylish, timeless fusions. It’s never too late. Out on Desert Daze Sound.
The current WITCH lineup
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