Do not be afraid

"For this second outing Burch trusts her own compositions to make an impact, which they certainly do. Do Not Be Afraid offers a rainbow of spiritual songs and rhythmic stomps. "Well Come" opens on a breath of conch, like a sigh from creation's dawn, as woodblock knockings go rattling out. Burch's gyil swoops in to add both rhythm and melody, sounding refined yet ritualised, impromptu yet exact. The title track is one of several to feature guest singers, where the lyrics are simple mantras with a modern kick ... The gyil might be an instrument used at funerals, but its woody warmth finds a life-giving energy in Burch's hands ... There's a strand of minimalism here that could entice fans of Colin Stetson, The Necks or devotees of Steve Reich's marimba works. And whereas one might hear sax or keyboard simulations in the tone of vibraphonists Milt Jackson or Gary Burton, Burch's gyil is closer to the primal human voice in timbre. Likewise, the swinging bliss of Vula Viel's music comes direct from the source".

Read review

"London-based trio Vula Viel are a live sensation. Do Not Be Afraid is their second recorded release, following on from a highly impressive debut ... There's been a change of personnel to the group, set up by Bex Burch, a classically trained percussionist who spent three years living and working with xylophone master Thomas Segura in Ghana. This record, like its predecessor, foregrounds [her] instrument, the gyil. Burch's iterations and agitations are supported by strong rhythmic work from new bandmates - bassist Ruth Goller and drummer Jim Hart. Catchy vocal lines appear throughout - particularly on the propulsive 'Fire' - and the live energy of their shows is readily translated to record. Goller's basslines are unrelenting, at points sonically redolent of Gang of Four. No wonder Iggy Pop is a fan. Perhaps more variation would be welcome, but maybe it's the rawness of their set-up that makes this band tick. It's hard to tell, but the loss of George Crowley's saxophone, gloriously present throughout their debut, is noticeable. One wonders how a little bit of added tonality now and then might have made it a more well-rounded listen".