African Head Charge - Songs of Praise

Led by percussionist Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah, African Head Charge formed in the early 80s and, under a shifting lineup, have released seven albums of afrocentric dub psychedelia, most of which have been produced by Adrian Sherwood and released on his On-U Sound label. As a precursor to the imminent release of their long-awaited new album ‘Vision Of A Psychelic Africa’, AHC and On-U present a new reissue of ‘Songs Of Praise’, which was originally released in 1991 and has been out of print for the better part of five years. Regarded by many as the band’s crowning moment, ‘Songs Of Praise’ was always one of On-U’s best and most consistent selling titles, and remains as much in demand today as when it first appeared. Not very many reggae albums acknowledge american folk music archivist Alan Lomax in the credits, but African Head Charge don't make typical reggae albums. Although the one-drop beat (provided by Lincoln "Style" Scott) influences everything and the basslines have a typical tidal undertow, the sounds that Noah layers on top of the mix have more to do with ethnomusicology than the dancehall. The titles say it all: ‘Cattle Herder’s Chant’, a field recording of call-and-response chanting overlaid with Nyahbinghi drums and highlife guitar; ‘My God’, in which eerie, minor-key African-American church-song is supported by a chugging reggae bassline, bare-bones drumming, and the sound of running water; ‘Deer Spirit Song’, an unidentifiable indigenous song in complex 9/8 time with a gently driving rockers beat and occasional sound effects thrown in. The band’s distinctive sound of atmospheric synth stabs, percolating percussion, minimalist guitar and sturdy basslines is ever-present, but ‘Songs Of Praise’ marks a major progression from earlier AHC recordings, with their denser, darker soundscapes supplanted by a more celebratory air and an open, spacious feel. There is also a more spiritual tone throughout, again reflected in song titles such as ‘Hymn’, ‘Healing Ceremony’, and ‘Gospel Train’. ‘Songs Of Praise’ is an exceptionally beautiful album, but in a deep and strange way.

Be the first to review this record. Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!