Recalibrate

From the first beats of ‘I Wanna Talk to You’, the opening track of Eccodek’s fifth studio album Recalibrate, you know you’re in for a smooth ride. An addictive bass riff walks alongside mellow percussion and groovy synth hooks, while the dynamic vocal stylings of Nigeria’s Oranmiyan Ajagundade add an enticing sense of urgency. It’s a fitting start to the Canadian fusionists first record since 2015, and one that celebrates two decades in the game for Andrew McPherson and co.

Moving from Yoruba chants to Indian vocal traditions through reggae, dub and Iranian poetry, Eccodek are back on form, taking listeners on an aural journey across the continents. In keeping with their calling card, the six-piece have brought in an impressive host of guest vocalists. Alongside the aforementioned Ajagundade, there’s turns from the likes of Punjabi singer Onkar Singh, Persian classical musician Mahsa Vahdat, specialist in Turkish and Balkan folk styles Brenna MacCrimmon, and a host of other talent. While each vocalist brings nuance and idiosyncrasy to their performances, Eccodek provide the through-line for this international homage, accompanying each soloist with a groove-laden backing track that ties the album together seamlessly.