Survival
Strawberry Rain Survival: Simmer Down (NI,1977,re.2014)****
Survival has all the elements of a good psych-rock song album with African roots. I still wonder how long it will still take people to start to realise that this genre really exists in Africa, after years of over-exposure to afro-beat, highlife, soul and funk (besides traditional music), and why it took so long to discover these great fuzz-based albums. Survival surely is amongst the better ones.
Like Ofege and being of the same era, they had started as a school band (related with the ISI located within the campus of the University of Ibadan), playing at first in a rather western styled Afro-funk style. A proper music education was given at the school (which included flute lessons from high life legend Chris Ajilo). After some line-up changes, Survival was recorded at the Ginger Baker owned ARC studios, under sponsoring from chief Akinnola.
The songs themselves, in English, are worth hearing. We got the title song about the sense of survival, which can be interpreted in various contexts. Then we have a very good convincing expression of “Emotions”, expressed and sung and written exceptionally by two female sing-songwriters, Anette and Ibiai about some girl’s emotions when approaching a potential boyfriend, and a song about feeling injustice done when what they call ‘the law of jungle’ would prevail and decide over interpretations of situations. The Afro-beat rhythms are very interesting, while the general rhythms guide the songs completely. We have a few extra sounds of organ, improvising with it, which once heard like a Moog occasionally, mostly the organ is moody, slowly but vividly accompanying the songs and leading a few more instrumental parts. A bit of tambourine is added to the drums and percussion, rocking or providing shaky rhythms. There’s worked out some mixed harmonies or group singing, making the emotions strong expressions. There are moody fuzz solos, some with an odd kind of buzzing vocal-like fuzz-sound, mixed with a bit of wah-wah rhythm guitars, which can have a small funky touch. And of course we also have some moody flute solos included in several tracks too without dominating.
If you liked Ofege and Witch, this is the next one to search for or could be a great example of an Afro-fuzzed rock song album to start with.
Some bands joined afterwards by the individual members afterwards are The Clinic & Frazz.
A limited edition pressing of 1000 copies on LP, with insert and photos and 800 CD with 12 page booklet.
