Spell 31

Spell 31 is the third full-length from the French-Cuban sister duo, Ibeyi, and it is perhaps their most daring record yet. This release, which takes its title from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, unites Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Díaz's ethereal harmonies with piano, cajón, textural synths and hypnotic percussion. Singing predominantly in English, Spell 31 is peppered with passages in Spanish, French and Yoruba (Ibeyi comes from the Yoruba word for ‘twin’).

Born into a musical family (their mother is French Venezuelan singer, Maya Dagnino, and their late father, Miguel ‘Angá’ Díaz, was percussionist for Buena Vista Social Club), the pair have managed to carve out a sound which, while unquestionably inspired by their roots, is uniquely their own. Weaving their diverse influences into a rich tapestry of R&B and soul, and supported by ace production from Richard Russell, the tracks on this record are bold, contemplative and extremely assured. The track ‘Sangoma’ opens the album in fine style with its blissful melodies and reverberating Latin percussion; the imagery on ‘Sister 2 Sister’ is simultaneously spiritual and filled with a youthful nostalgia; ‘Tears Are Our Medicine’ leaves the drums to one side, shining the spotlight on the twins’ cathartic harmonies and minimalistic piano. With guest appearances from the likes of Pa Salieu, Jorja Smith and Berwyn, and even throwing in a curveball Black Flag cover (‘Rise Above’), Spell 31 is a sensational album which dives headlong into the unexpected.