More Africa in Us (feat. Ignace Ntirushwamaboko, Samba Diallo, Mansa Sissoko)

Album Review

The title for Andrew McPherson's new album was taken from a comment made by Brian Eno in an interview with Wired magazine. "Do you know what I hate about computers?," Eno said. "The problem with computers is that there is not enough Africa in them." Recording under the pseudonym Eccodek, McPherson has made something of an attempt to redress that problem, taking samples of vocals from an unfinished album by Rwandan singer Ignace Ntirushwamaboko, as well as specially-recorded vocals by Samba Djaumo Diallo, from Mali. McPherson wrapped these performances in layers and layers of dark, dub-inflected electronica, most of it heavily freighted with elements of roots reggae and African pop and traditional music. Not a single track on the album is less than enjoyable, and about half are brilliant. These include the brooding "Bizuru Dub," with its nicely crafted layers of electric piano and synthesized kalimba, the relentlessly chugging and gorgeously melodic "Peace Time," and the Latin-inflected brilliance of "Calling the Rain." "100 Drums" explores a more experimental and crunchy side of McPherson's sound, while "Juju in Those Strings" goes off on a spacey, ambient tangent at the very end. Relaxing, exhilarating, and danceable by turns, More Africa in Us is a perfect example of what electro-ethno-dub music should be.