[Connaisseur Recordings] (buy vinyl) (buy mp3)
The first time I took note of Bavarian trio Afrilounge was “Tribute,” their restrained homage to Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do).” Anyone with the good sense to take on my favorite H&O tune deserved another look, and I’ve been following them ever since. “Lux Dementia,” their second for Connassieur and backed by b-side “Gêne,” may well be their standout track. Steve Bug is such a fan that he prominently placed the tune in his recent Fabric mix. Jeremy from Resident Advisor was so feverishly impressed he insisted I listen to it the moment it came out. Now I’m certainly glad he did.
Listen:
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“Lux Dementia” charges over listeners with grand conviction and poise, leaving them flat — yet still wiggling. Perhaps influenced by the aesthetic built by the Innervisions crew, Afrilounge fill the air around a trembling motif with crackling modulations and uplifting tones that swell, threatening to swallow the whole dance floor whole. But it’s the sustained piano chords raining down like melodic hammers that really kick things into gear and gathers trainspotters at the DJ’s side. I’m already thinking of pairing it up with Tuesday’s spotlighted track, “Traffic Circle,” for a solid section of deep techno that’s not soon forgotten.
1. where did you get this? i’ve been waiting to see it at gphone for weeks now.
2. my all-time favorite comment in the RA forums, from this thread: http://www.residentadvisor.net/forum-read.aspx?id=36821
raggy1 sez “villalobos asleep never”
3. by the time you read this, i think, i’ll have a re-edit of ‘lo-glo’ posted to myspace. WON’T YOU PLEASE HAVE A LISTEN? don’t check it anytime before 7:30am though. just in case.
4. want to come to gramaphone tonight?
5. have a good day!
6. sincerely,
7. james cardis
I totally agree this is a fantastic release and the b side Gene is a great listen.
1. I have my ways, though they rarely involve vinyl.
2. Some of the pictures I’ve seen of Ricardo look as though he’s so stoned he’s actually spinning while asleep, so who knows.
3. Liar! I see no such song. (“Hi-Glo” is pretty great, though.)
4. I’m going to try and get some writing done tonight, but I want to stop by Marsh’s. I hope he has turntables there…
5. Enjoy your rest!
6. Warm regards,
7. Your ever-lovin’ author.
Oh wait, I’m not very smart. Downloading “Lo-Glo” right now.