Kaléidoscope

It's easy to feel the pulse of Afrobeat — funky, percussive grooves and jazzy arrangements often paired with conscious, passionate lyrics. Montpellier-based Afrobeat collective Fanga's Kaléidoscope is no different; its tight rhythm section and bright horns will make you move your hips, with melodies, solos and breaks from an 11-person band, plus special guests. Vocals in Dioula (a Mande language), French and English are delivered by bandleader Korbo, whose bold voice adds a seriousness to the sound. Fanga deliver a variety of rhythm and tempo, from 1970s-inspired dance cuts to slow-burners like ‘Compréhension’ (which could do with being just a bit longer). All of this works well on the album, but it doesn't quite exceed expectations. Apart from gritty synth and keyboard stabs, Kaléidoscope feels very cleanly produced; you are left wanting to see the band perform live for a truer experience of their energy and potential. Professional musicianship is not in short supply and, in an already saturated world of Afrobeat, this album proves itself to be solid, even if does not wholly separate itself from the pack.