Food chain

"The continuing vestiges of the classic Fela Ransome Kuti sound have been much pillaged and even plagiarised by countless musicians. However, in the very competent hands of the London Afrobeat Collective, the sound is merely the starting point for a creative musical exploration that takes in gritty soul and funk, varied tempi and a coherent/cohesive ensemble sound that is sure to attract even the most reticent or indeed seasoned of Afrobeat listeners ... This is Afrobeat with a decidedly cosmopolitan London twist and all the better for it. Matters begin on a high with the busy as a bee opener, 'Celebrity Culture', that features some lovely chopped guitar that Niles Rodgers would appreciate and the combination of neo-disco and Afrobeat is an absolute winner. Jazzier flavours are gradually introduced on the heavy bassline groove of 'Prejudice', most notable for a terrific trumpet solo and the lovely call and response vocals led by female lead singer Funke Adeleke".

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"The London Afrobeat Collective's second album (...) is a bit of a monster - full of dancefloor-filling beats, allied to politically-aware lyrics, delivered by a 10-piece group that's bursting with energy. This mix of politicised lyrics and dance party music recalls UK bands of the '80s such as Working Week. The London Afrobeat Collective is blessed with a tight, funky, rhythm section. It's the heart of the band, beating as hard and as fast as the music demands ... With such a strong and savvy rhythm section in place, the horns (...) need to be confident and assertive. Collectively and individually, they are. As a section, the trio bursts out with immediately catchy riffs: the occasional solos are crisp and melodic. Vocalist Funke Adeleke has a strong personality and an equally strong voice. They enable her to stamp her authority on the songs, delivering the strident and direct lyrics with conviction (...) and with a vocal power that heightens the impact of the music laid down by her bandmates".

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