ALBUM REVIEW: Ibibio Sound Machine – Electricity

Merge
Released: 25.03.22

With their mix of electronic beats and traditional West African influences, Ibibio Sound Machine are known for uplifting dancefloor fillers. But with Electricity, they’ve made what they’ve called their darkest album to date, spurred on by the turbulence of the past year. The propulsive synth and Eno Williams’ spitfire delivery on opener Protection From Evil certainly fits that billing.

Yet Electricity often sinks back into a more familiar and comfortable groove, with All That You Want being a funk-fusion highlight and 17 18 19 being a short, sharp blast of percussive fun. Even if Electricity doesn’t always feel like a dark meditation on contemporary life, it’s still a solid addition to the group’s singular canon.