KonKoma – Kpanlogo

Soundway continues to go from strength to strength. The London label, which made its name repressing unknown afrobeat classics and helping in the process to reintroduce to Europe artists like Ebo Taylor, celebrated its tenth birthday with a decision to start releasing contemporary work. Angolan-Portuguese producer Batida turned in their first such record earlier this year, beginning an exciting run of releases that continues next week with KonKoma.

KonKoma are a London-based band with their roots set firmly in the propulsive funk of ’70s Ghana. On ‘Kpanlogo’, the first track to materialise from their debut album, the band’s knack for marrying impressive musicianship with irresistible danceability is fully demonstrated. With intricate polyrhythms, constructed from snaking guitar lines and triplet-heavy percussion, theirs is a sound that is as much about texture as it is about impact – but with the guttural vocals of frontman Nii Tagoe the track takes on a vicious new edge, taking it out of the studio and onto the dancefloor.

KonKoma is out Monday on Soundway. Stream ‘Kpanlogo’ below.