This studio album, their fourth, finds their lengthy instrumental wig-outs far more nuanced, with tunes such as the louche but punchy ‘De Kinshasa A Sona Bata’ and grooving first single ‘Topesa Esengo Na Motema’ (that's ‘Let us Give Joy to the Heart’ in Lingala) placing greater emphasis on the lively, looping lines of Congolese rumba, itself inspired by Afro-Cuban music - and recalling a spirit of resistance that resonates today.
Highlights are many among seven multi-lingual long-players also embracing dub, funk, rock and freewheeling jazz. But the seven-minute 'El Ritmo de Londres', which hopscotches genres amid blazing horns and bouncing cowbell, is notable as a paean to their common base - and as showcase for Euka's glorious voice. Recommended.