A true force of nature, Ibibio Sound Machine’s future-funk explorations often hide the group’s pop nous. ‘Electricity’ – produced by Hot Chip, no less – reverses this, heightening their melodic prowess while retaining their physical thrust.
’17 18 19’ is a Grace Jones-esque disco groove, ‘All That You Want’ is a house bubbler, while ‘Truth No Lie’ is like Pet Shop Boys re-imagined in a West African context. Bright, buoyant, and continually innovative, ‘Electricity’ is a project dominated by colour, vitality, and – crucially – a ruthless pop instinct.
8/10
Words: Robin Murray
Dig This? Dig Deeper: Grace Jones, Tony Allen, John Wizards
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