Review
Lakuta: Brothers & Sisters (Tru Thoughts)
10
6.3
Rate this Album
UK release date 12.09.2016
A gnat’s whisker from landing the album of the month slot. A lovely new find, the debut album from this sizzling Brighton-based collective.
Immersing themselves in their musical and multi-cultural heritages, the outfit have roots that run through Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Malaysia, and Europe.
Lakuta draw on their funk, soul and world music backgrounds. Nick Faber’s gifted production identifies with the band’s authentic tropical and Afrobeat sound. Faber has written and produced for John Turrell and sound-tracked Ice T’s hip-hop documentary.
The percussive and dance floor-centric first single, “Bata Boy” opens the album. “So Sue Us” is a playful commentary on attitudes within today’s commercial music sector.
Warm Spanish guitars and the Kora, open “Changanya.” A plea and a championing of a more open-minded attitude to culture and tradition; topical and tropical. “Lose Yourself” is a tight funk number with overtones of acid-jazz and Brazilian MPB. All 10 cuts highly infectious and fresh.
Words SIMON REDLEY
