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The Very Best
"Warm Heart of Africa"
Release Date: 10/6
Record Label: Green Owl
Rating: B+
Vocalist Esau Mwamwaya and DJ duo Radioclit were just setting themselves up for failure naming their group, The Very Best. The trio had a little something to back the name up with however.
The members combined last year for a free mixtape, combining remixes and original tracks to produce a surprising smash critical hit.
The group's debut of original material, "Warm Heart of Africa" is a pleasing, fleeting piece of work. The tracks seem to float effortlessly out of speakers, anchored by Mwamwaya's heavenly vocals.
The man has the type of voice which sounds like there is more than one person singing when it is belted out. The vocals are just so full of heart and ambition, taking Radioclit's tracks to a next level.
The DJ's also have a strong outing here. They must be commended for blending their roots of electro with those of traditional African music and rhythms. The two genres are fused seamlessly for the most part to make for an upbeat, joyful listen.
Over the past few years, Afro-pop has infiltrated indie music from the rise of bands like Yeasayer or Vampire Weekend. Just picking and choosing items from the genre can work for an album or even two, but hearing three men with a knack for the sound and updating it is an original experience.
It is yet to be seen if this collaboration is a two off recording event, for the sake of playlists made for sunny day listening, let's hope not.
Luke McCormick can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275
